The Hammock Observer 2-26-26

Remains found, after 22 years

Sheriff’s Office finds remains believed to be that of Mary Lou Combs, thanks to

Masks for Miracles to benefit hospitalized kids

‘People’s hearts just open up for the cause,’ Organizer Pam Capela said. Event is scheduled for March 21.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

development to move forward.

Missing Palm Coast teen dies

Ponte Vedra Sharks bite back in return visit to Matanzas.

The second annual Masks for Miracles fundraiser to benefit hospitalized children is scheduled for March 21.

The event is a masquerade ball and casino night that raises money for the nonprofit Live Like Cameron, which honors the memory of 9-year-old Cameron Fulling who died of brain cancer in 2017. The funds raised at the masquerade will go to filling Live Like Cameron’s Bags of Hope, which provide tailored comfort items to kids in the hospital, including bedding, crafts, toys, books and pajamas.

Co-organizer Pamela Capela said the fundraiser will benefit 42 children this year, including six infants.

“There’s this magic in the air, and people’s hearts just open up for the cause,” Capela said. “It’s really an incredible night filled with so much emotion.”

The fundraiser will be held at 6 p.m. at the Hammock Dunes Club. Tickets can be purchased online at Masks4Miracles.com.

Capela is the broker and owner of RE/MAX Select Professionals located at 5070 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. She and her son Jayd Capela, of Motto Mortgage, run Masks for Miracles and the charity golf tournament Take a Swing at Hunger through their joint nonprofit Cornerstone 386 LLC.

Masks for Miracles tries to meet the need of children recently diagnosed with cancer in the hospital, Capela said. Their team at Cornerstone was inspired by mission of Live Like Cameron.

Dan and Melisa Fulling created Live Like Cameron after their son Cameron died, to provide financial assistance to families of child cancer patients and to bring care packages to comfort kids during their hospitalizations. Melisa Fulling said their Bags of Hope are

tailored to each child who is newly diagnosed and also themed for the holiday. The Masks for Miracles bags will be Easter themed.

“The bags have stuff to help decorate their hospital room and kind of bring Easter morning to them in the hospital,” she said.

Fulling said her family spent a lot of time in the hospital with Cameron, so they know what it is like to be there and how depressing it can be.

“It helps me keep Cameron’s memory alive just to help bring a little bit of joy to them during such a difficult time,” she said. “It means everything to me.”

Capela said the Cornerstone became very passionate about Live Like Cameron’s mission and how the Fullings help other kids.

“So we decided that we would stand alongside them and raise funds,” she said.

They decided on a masquerade theme because they wanted it to be “a night filled with magic and bliss” for “a very opulent, fun eve-

ning.” Their first event sold out of all 120 tickets. Attendees will be able to play various casino games like roulette, Wheel of Fortune, black jack, craps or poker by purchasing additional “tickets.” The event also has a live auction and curated meals for guests to enjoy.

“It’s very high-end, like a gala,” she said.

All the funds are used for either raffling items or toward the overall fundraising goal.

Capela said she is in awe of Fulling’s strength to return to the hospital every year.

“She takes these Bags of Hope,”

Capela said, “and she revisits that place of pain every single time, to bring comfort.”

Fulling said she always looks forward to bringing the kids their Easter Bags of Hope. The first year it was so hard, she said she didn’t even know if she could even go inside the hospital.

“But once I did that, I get to see that it brings some joy to the kids,” Fulling said. “It just reminds me of my son, because he was always so happy. Even though he had a very difficult time, he was always so happy.”

Email sierra@observerlocalnews. com.

Flagler’s crime rate is down 32%

Despite a population increase of 4,000, Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly reports that crime is down.

OBSERVER STAFF

Flagler County’s overall crime rate has decreased by 32% in 2025 compared to 2024, despite continued population increase.

In a press release published by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the FCSO said overall the number of reported crimes decreased between 2024 and 2025 despite the population increasing by 4,000. Crimes against persons decreased by 27%, from

1,121 reported offenses in 2024 to 817 in 2025.

Assault-related offenses, which account for the majority of crimes against persons, declined substantially in 2025, the press release said.

The data reflects significantly fewer reported offenses in all major crime categories, the press release said.

Sheriff Rick Staly said the reduction in the crime rates could not have happened without the support and partnership with the Flagler County Commissioners and the City of Palm Coast.

“Without these partnerships and support, we would not have the resources to deliver crime reductions for the community every year since I’ve been Sheriff,” Staly said. “Because of this sup -

port, today we are a technological advanced agency using modern equipment and recognized as a leader in law enforcement services.”

Property crimes had the most number of reported offenses in 2025, with 1,159 reported crimes, but that was also a 26% reduction from 2024’s 1,575 reported property crimes, according to data sent by the FCSO.

Clearance rates, or the number of closed cases, stayed roughly the same between the two years. For crimes against people, the FCSO had a 76.3% clearance rate in 2024 and 70.9% clearance rate in 2025. For crimes against property, the rate mostly stayed the same from 21.1% in 2024 to 21.7% in 2025.

Missing teen found dead in Bunnell

The FCSO reports that 16-year-old Khalon Pierre was killed by a train Saturday evening.

OBSERVER STAFF

A Palm Coast teen who had been previously reported missing was found dead on Feb. 21.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office reported the teen, 16-year-old Khalon Pierre, is suspected of dying by suicide after he ran in front of a train.

His mother had reported him missing at 6:11 a.m. on Feb. 20. Pierre was reported to have been last seen at approximately 11 p.m. the night before. The FCSO reported he is suspected to have run away from his home in the S-Section of Palm Coast, packing a bag and leaving the area on foot. Pierre was previously reported missing in 2021 but returned home.

Following the report, Pierre was entered as missing into the National Crime Information Center and Florida Crime Information Center databases, as well as the Florida

COPS CORNER

FEB. 13 BURNED OUT

8:40 p.m. — Intersection of Pine Lakes Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast Drug possession. A Palm Coast woman and her male friend were arrested on drug possession charges after she was caught throwing a cigarette out her car window.

A Sheriff’s Office deputy was on patrol when he saw the woman throw a lit cigarette out her car window, according to an arrest report. The county was under a burn ban at the time, which prohibited throwing matches or cigarettes from a vehicle.

The deputy called for backup and while he waited talked to the woman and her male passenger. The male suspect, 47, began acting nervous, repeatedly touching his waistband and fidgeting in the seat.

The deputy had both suspects exit the vehicle for it to be searched after he smelled marijuana coming from the man, the report said. Deputies found multiple containers of meth, including one small container on the woman’s key chain that had 0.7 grams and a 2.3 gram bag in her bra.

At the jail, the woman was found to have more meth hidden in her bra. The woman is facing several drug possession charges.

Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse.

Deputies canvassed the area, a be-on-the-lookout was issued and sent to law enforcement agencies, and a missing juvenile alert was also posted to FCSO’s social media pages at 8:33 a.m.

During the investigation, Pierre’s mother reported that he had used a debit card at a Walmart Neighborhood Market in DeLand. FCSO deputies located updated video of Pierre at the store leaving on his bicycle.

On the night of Feb. 21, FCSO and Flagler County Fire Rescue responded to a train incident in the area of County

FEB. 16 ART PIECE

5:20 p.m. — First block of North Perrott Drive, Ormond Beach Suspicious incident. An Ormond Beach resident called police after her dolphin statue was stolen from her home.

According to an incident report, her doorbell security camera alerted her to the presence of a woman at her front door. She watched as the woman looked around before taking the concrete statue. While waiting for police, the resident drove around the neighborhood to try to find the woman, whom she believed to be a transient.

The resident found the woman just down the road.

The woman, according to the incident report, told the resident that she had taken the statue to “paint it for her.” She gave it back, and the resident decided not to pursue charges.

FEB. 20 PROOF OF PURCHASE

5:29 p.m. — first block of Garden Street North, Palm Coast Petit theft. A Palm Coast man was caught attempting to steal $116.82 of merchandise from a home improvement store by referencing a receipt he found outside.

An employee saw the man grabbing things from the shelves, periodically referencing a receipt before the suspect attempted to leave the store with the items. The stolen items ranged from brand name hats and shirts to a pocket knife and a key set.

The suspect told the

Road 304 and Old Dupont Road in Bunnell.

According to the reporting party, who called the Flagler County Emergency Communications Center at 6:55 p.m., an individual, later identified as Pierre, ran in front of a freight train and was struck. The train immediately activated its emergency brake and stopped. Deputies and FCFR located Pierre, who was dead at the scene.

Pierre was part of the homeschool program at Flagler Palm Coast High School but had not been in attendance at FPC in over two years.

“We are incredibly saddened to share this news, as this is the outcome the family and law enforcement fear the most in any missing persons case,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Our deepest condolences go out to Khalon’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time and I remind our community that help is available.”

Editor’s note: In the U.S., the national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.

Sheriff’s Office deputy that he found the receipt in the parking lot and intended to take the items on the receipt to “return” for money, the report said. As he was being arrested, the deputy found a small glass vial with fentanyl in it. The suspect has been arrested five times in just over a year.

FEB. 21 THEY WERE ALL DRUNK

8:06 p.m. — Destination Daytona Lane, Ormond Beach Disturbance. Conflicting stories and no independent witnesses led to no arrests or charges filed after a physical altercation allegedly took place at a local events venue.

Police report that when they arrived at the scene, a 55-yearold Flagler Beach woman said she had been near a sales tent dumping bottles of beer into a storm drain when a woman started yelling at her. Then, she said a man picked her up by the arms and threw her to the ground.

Officers spoke to all parties. A friend of the Flagler Beach woman told police that her friend had been accused of stealing a watch and that the pair involved in the fight, who were vendors, chased them through the parking lot. As police gathered statements, some said that the Flagler Beach woman tried to hit the other and that her husband was also involved. Police noted that the Flagler Beach woman was “highly intoxicated.” So were other individuals involved. There were injuries on both sides of the dispute.

Missing person case is likely solved — 22 years later

Remains of Mary Lou Combs, who was 41 when she disappeared, found in a car half a mile from her home.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has found what is believed to be the remains of Mary Lou Combs, a 41-yearold Flagler County woman who has been missing for 22 years.

Through a partnership with private, volunteer dive search and recovery companies, the remains were found in a submerged and upside-down vehicle in the Intracoastal Waterway in The Hammock.

The car was found just 40 feet from the east shore near 66 and 68 Hernandez Ave., in 14-17 feet of water.

Combs was last seen in August 2003 after she left her home in The Hammock in her red 1996 Plymouth Neon Coupe. Though the remains and the vehicle found were severely degraded after 22

years in salt water, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said one of the items recovered from the car included Combs’ Florida driver’s license “in pristine condition.”

Additionally, investigators found a leg bone with metal plates attached, similar to those Combs would have had from a previous crushed ankle injury.

“All evidence strongly suggests the remains are those of Mary Lou Combs, but final determination is pend -

ing DNA testing,” Staly said. “However, prolonged exposure to salt water may have limited the ability for DNA comparison.”

The FCSO worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to recover the remains, car and evidence from the Intracoastal on Feb. 3, unintentionally coinciding with National Missing Persons day. Staly, alongside Combs’ family, members of the FBI team, the FCSO Cold Case Unit and dive search and recovery companies Recon Dive & Recovery and Helo & Sub, announced the discovery at a Feb. 23 press conference.

Combs’ daughter Natasha Harper, who was 13 when her mother disappeared, thanked the FCSO and the private dive teams who worked “countless hours” to find her mother.

“When I was a little girl, my mother was my best friend and my everything,” Harper said. “When she went missing, our world changed so much. And it has not been the same since.”

Staly said they believe Combs accidentally drove on a boat ramp at the end of 18th Road into the Intracoastal

Waterway, where her vehicle submerged and drifted north with the current, before capsizing and sinking.

“We’re forever grateful that we can finally say goodbye,” Harper said.

Eighteenth Road is a dirt road that used to be a boat ramp and goes directly into the water, he said. Going back 23 years, Staly said, the community was still “fairly rural” and sparsely populated.

“While this is not the outcome anyone hoped for, we knew locating Mary alive was extremely unlikely given the length of time she had been missing,” Staly said.

The investigation remains open at this time, Staly said, as they still have some unanswered questions.

“Questions that, frankly, we may never know the answer to,” he said.

FINDING COMBS

Helo & Sub designed the sonar technology used to find the car. The companies volunteered to begin looking for Combs’ Neon Coupe in local waterways in 2024.

“We made it our mission to locate the missing underwater,” Recon Dive & Recovery owner Ken Fleming said.

Fleming said they began by targeting the 300 ponds in the area Combs was last seen, ruling out ones that were not built 22 years ago.

After over a year searching the ponds, Fleming said they turned their direction to the Intracoastal in late 2025. That October, they initially found what looked like “a little pile of rubble,” and it wasn’t until they turned back for a closer look that the search team could tell it might be a vehicle.

“Unfortunately, it was buried up to the rocker panels, upside down. We could not be 100% sure it was a vehicle,” Fleming said. Instead, he said, they tried to get a magnet on it. “The metal was so deteriorated that it would not stick.”

Fleming said they had to dive in poor visibility to determine if the site was a

car or not. Fleming said they recovered the bumper, which is a “make, model, and year match” to Combs’ car. Crime scene investigators later matched a color swatch to Combs’ car as well.

Helo & Sub owner Vern Shurtz said when they begin a search, they like to start with getting to know the missing person.

“There are almost a thousand cases across the United States that are very similar to Mary Lou’s case,” Shurtz said.

AN INTER-AGENCY EFFORT

After the private dive teams located what they believed to be Combs’ vehicle, the FCSO began organizing a joint recovery operation with the FBI. Staly said because of the car’s position and its long exposure to salt water, it was in fragile condition.

The FBI provided 30 people to aid in the recovery efforts, including a forensic anthropologist.

“That’s the kind of resources we were given,” Staly said.

The FBI was able to dredge the submerged car, suctioning up all materials inside and placing them in a sluice basket on shore to be searched for evidence.

Among the evidence recovered were car parts matching Combs’ Neon Coupe, shoes consistent with Combs’ shoe size, children’s toys, Combs’

driver’s license and human remains.

The Flagler County medical examiner is examining the remains to determine a cause of death.

“We have nothing at this time to say it is anything more than an accident, but until the M.E. finishes their job, we can’t rule anything out,” Staly said. “But I will tell you that It really does appear [to be] a tragic accident.”

Staly said that this is not the first time the FCSO has partnered with a private company for an investigation, but it is the first time the FCSO has worked with a private dive recovery team.

“We will use whatever it takes, whatever partnerships we need, to bring closure and solutions,” Staly said. “We’ll do that every time.”

New concrete batch plant gets OK from Palm Coast Planning Board

The company, Hard Rock Materials, has offered a restricted covenant that would limit trips to 200 daily.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Despite protests from neighboring business owners, a new application for a concrete batch plant on Hargrove Grade was approved by Palm Coast’s planning board.

The owner, Hard Rock Materials, purchased the 10-acre property at 56 Hargrove Grade in April 2025 and has applied to have the property rezoned from light industrial to heavy industrial use. Hard Rock Materials operates several concrete batch plants, including one in St. Augustine that is situated next to a residential neighborhood.

The Palm Coast Planning and Land Development Regulation Board approved the rezoning request in a 5-2 vote, with board members David Ferguson and Suzanne Nicholson voting against it.

“Most of you know the planning board; we dig into it, we ask the questions,” Chairwoman Sandra Shank said. “We don’t just vote yes or no without asking the questions. However, at the same time, we have a responsibility to make sure our decisions are based upon the land development code.”

This is the second application within a year for a concrete batch plant on Hargrove Grade. The previous application to rezone 11 Hargrove Grade to heavy industrial was denied by the Palm Coast City Council in August. That application also generated loud outcry against a heavy industrial use near the existing light industrial sites.

One of the primary concerns from neighboring business owners is how the heavy cement mixer trucks would degrade the road. Hargrove Grade is an unpaved road that several owners say already has flooding problems.

Katherine Hunter, with Autohaus of Palm Coast on Hargrove Grade, said the proposed plant goes against the public interest.

“Hargrove Grade was not built for this level of heavy industrial traffic,” she said. “And what will it cost taxpayers to repair or place this road when it invariably fails under the weight [of these trucks]?”

Hunter said that Hargrove Grade is growing, but because of the previous batch plant application and this one, those plans have been put on hold.

“From a factual standpoint, this will have a negative impact,” Hunter said.

But Hard Rock Materials’

owner has agreed to a restricted covenant that would limit the plant’s daily trips to 200 maximum per day. If the future operating conditions were to exceed that, according to Planning Board documents, the owner will need to conduct an updated traffic analysis and seek an amendment to the covenant before the increased operations are implemented.

Without the covenant, a heavy industrial-zoned property could generate as many as 862 new daily trips, according to city documents.

City planner Michael Hansen said that number is generated based on the “most intense uses that could be developed on the property’s current or proposed zoning.”

“So you’re looking at theoretical maximums,” Hansen said.

But, Shank said, the applicant is willingly restricting itself to how many trips it will

generate daily.

“We have to take that into consideration,” Shank said

The covenant also limits the gross vehicle weight for trucks to 68,000 pounds and limits total water consumption on the site to a daily average of 25,000 gallons per day for any

seven-day period.

Attorney Michael Chiumento, representing the applicant, said that is similar to “a swimming pool.” Additionally, he said, the facility won’t be continuously drawing on the aquifer but will instead store it in tanks to use.

Palm Coast to update council’s vacancy procedures, borrowing power

Initial charter changes to be decided in November; further updates coming in future elections.

The November election will have the first proposed changes to Palm Coast City Charter, including changes to the procedure for filling council vacancies.

Palm Coast’s Charter Review Committee suggested 35 changes to the charter, but

“That’s the way it should be ... It’s the consent of the governed.”

not all of the suggestions will be implemented. As the Palm Coast City Council meticulously reviewed all 35 proposals during a meeting that lasted almost four hours, the council found several suggestions could be encompassed in policy decisions instead of charter changes.

“That’s the crux of this,” Councilman Ty Miller said. “We need to make sure that the ones we’re putting on here are the important ones.”

The top three items that will be included in the November general election will include changes to how council vacancies are filled, how City Council members are disciplined and the council’s contracting abilities. All three of these sections of the City Charter have caused stumbling blocks and delays for Palm Coast’s government over the last two years.

Clarifying the procedures on how the council fills vacancies outside of the election period was the first issue addressed by the Palm Coast Council. The current version of the charter does not provide guidance on what to do when a vacancy occurs too close to a general election to qualify.

In August 2024, the District 4 City Council position was vacated the day before the primary election, and led to

“It is imperative that the person sitting in that seat is elected by the people.”

MIKE NORRIS, Palm Coast Mayor

the contentious appointment of Councilman Charles Gambaro ahead of the November 2024 general election. In early 2025, Councilman Dave Sullivan was appointed to fill the District 3 seat when the newly-elected Ray Stevens stepped down.

Gambaro’s appointment spurred outcry from members of the public who felt the seat should have been listed on the November 2024 ballot, even though the qualifying period had ended. It even led to Mayor Mike Norris filing a lawsuit against Palm Coast to have Gambaro removed.

The judge in that case ruled that Gambaro’s appointment followed the charter, but pointed out that “the result is flawed.”

Under the proposed changes, a vacancy can be filled by appointment. If the vacancy occurs less than six months from any regularly scheduled election in the county, the council must hold a special election within 90 days to fill the vacancy with an elected representative.

If the vacancy occurs outside that six-month window, the seat must be placed on a scheduled election within 12 months. If there is no scheduled election in 12 months, the council must announce the date of a special election by 30 days after the seat is filled by appointment.

“It is imperative that the person sitting in that seat is elected by the people,” Norris said.

Georgette Dumont, the facilitator hired for the charter review process, presented the proposed changes to the Palm Coast City Council on Feb. 24.

“The goal was that at no time do you have unelected individuals on the dais for a long period of time,” Dumont said.

Updating the city’s contracting ability will also, for the second time, be on the ballot. Currently, Palm Coast is limited to borrowing $15 million at a time, with a repayment period of 36 months. Any amount or repayment period greater than that needs referendum approval.

The proposed changes keep the referendum approval but update the amount and time period to be more in line with today’s financial needs than the terms set in 1999. The council suggested the amount be increased to today’s equivalent of the $15 million in 1999 — estimated to be around $30 million, but to be finalized at a later date — with a repayment period of no more than eight to 10 years. The total amount to be financed would also increase along with the annual consumer price index.

“If we don’t do something on this now, it’s another two years [before we can],” Sullivan said.

“And the number gets bigger and bigger to right-size it,”

Miller said. The first time the city tried to update its contracting ability, the effort was tied to a multi-million dollar sports complex project residents were against. The initiative failed at the ballot with 58% of 52,500 Palm Coast voters against it.

Lastly, the council decided to include updates to disciplining council members to the ballot. This issue came up after Norris was censured twice in early 2025 and Gambaro motioned twice for his removal.

Under the proposed changes, a council member or mayor can only be censured with a supermajority vote — four out the five council members. Additionally, the council can not ask the governor to remove a council member or mayor from their seat unless that individual has been censured at least three times and without evidence supporting the request. Elected officials could still remove themselves from

“We need to make sure that the ones we’re putting on here are the important ones.”

TY MILLER, Palm Coast Councilman

office or be removed through a recall vote.

“That’s the way it should be,” Norris said. “It’s the consent of the governed.”

Among the other changes that will be included on future ballots are changing term limits to two maximum terms per council member and mayor — allowing a council member to serve two terms as mayor and vice versa — adding a preamble, removing retirement benefits for council members, tying any council salary increase to a CPI and requiring a referendum for increases outside that, and lowering city candidate qualifying fee to 4% of a position’s salary instead of 10%.

Only changes that are approved by voters will be implemented. In order to avoid overwhelming voters with too many items on one ballot, the council decided to spread out the proposals over multiple elections. Miller suggested the council try to place several administrative changes together as one ballot item, as well. What goes on the ballot will be a summary of the proposed changes for each item. The Palm Coast Council will workshop the final language of the first charter amendments in the coming weeks before voting.

• $10 entry fee

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Kindergarten readiness lagging. Superintendent: It’s a community issue.

Many students entering kindergarten are non-verbal, Flagler County Superintendent LaShakia Moore said.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

One of Flagler Schools’ academic goals for this school year was to increase the percentage of students who demonstrated a readiness for kindergarten from 53% in 2022-23 to 55%. Instead, the August to September measure showed a drop to 37% of students who were ready for kindergarten.

While the rate did drop from last year, it is not as drastic as it looks, Scott Reynolds, the district’s coordinator of assessment and accountability, said.

“After we set this goal, the state did change the cut score for this measurement, so it is much more difficult to reach that 53 and 55%,” Reynolds told the Flagler County School Board at its workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 24. “We did see a drop in kindergarten readiness from last year, but we have also implemented a lot of supports through the Teaching and Learning office.”

Among students who were enrolled in the district’s Voluntary Prekindergarten program (VPK), the kindergarten readiness rate was 47%, Reynolds said.

Kindergarten readiness is important because there is a direct correlation between being ready to start kindergarten and third grade reading proficiency, Assistant Superintendent Angela O’Brien said.

“So we want to make sure that we’re seeing higher kindergarten readiness scores,” she said

Since the rate is measured in the first 30 days of school for kindergarten students, the issue goes beyond the school district, Flagler School Superintendent LaShakia Moore said.

“If you look at our data, our students that go to our VPK program vs. if we would just take our programs out, our student performance is higher than this, sitting about 50%, but what I will stand by and say is that kindergarten readiness is not a school district issue. Kindergarten readiness is a community effort that we have to work on,” Moore said.

The readiness rate of kindergarten students who do not participate in the VPK program is about 31%, Moore said.

The district’s website has resources for families to help their children get ready for kindergarten, she said.

“The biggest thing is really helping students to be rich in their language,” Moore said.

“What we’ve seen this year is an increase of students coming into kindergarten that are non-verbal, so they lack language. And this is not just one school. Each of our schools in kindergarten are seeing an increase of nonverbal students. And I’m not talking about developmentally delayed. I am talking about students who are having significant language delay that is causing them not to be able to communicate their wants and their needs.”

Moore said a lot of people believe that children need to be able to read when they start kindergarten, but stated, “That is absolutely not true.”

Moore said, “You don’t have to teach your child how to read for them to be ready for kindergarten.”

It is important to read to them, recite nursery rhymes and talk to them using full language before they are able to respond, she said.

“Not using baby talk, explaining things to them and helping them understand and reason things that maybe they can’t completely grasp into their words is critical,” Moore said. “It all definitely matters when it comes to their future success.”

The state offers the New Worlds Reading monthly free book program for students in VPK through fifth grade, Moore said. Parents can sign up to receive free books and activities every month. The district has a sign-up station at different events.

The district also partners with Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia.

“We’re trying to hit kids who haven’t hit us yet,” board member Janie Ruddy noted.

Reynolds said so far this year, the district has worked with its VPK program on a standards based report card, its deficiency process and multi-tiered system of supports as well as implementing the Foundations literacy program in VPK that the district uses in K-5. They’ve also worked on a professional learning plan for staff and teachers and are using Comprehensive Literacy Development grants to train literacy paraprofessionals in the future. And they are adding an early learning coach and looking at starting a summer school this year, Reynolds said.

Board member Lauren Ramirez encouraged commu-

All-State Band Members

nity members to get involved with the district’s ReadingPals volunteer program.

“As a ReadingPal you can come in and read to these classes,” she said. “It is a community effort.”

Board member Will Furry suggested getting other local governments involved to start a county initiative to drive this information through multiple channels.

“Why not see if we can have our partners going out and educating early learning, kindergarten readiness, to our community?” Furry said.

The district is on track for its other academic goals, Reynolds said: increasing students on grade level in English language arts from 55% in 202324 to 62% this year; increasing math students on grade level

from 58% in 2023-24 to 64% this year; increasing social studies students on grade level from 69% in 2023-24 to 73% this year; and increasing science students on grade level from 61% in 2023-24 to 65% this year.

The district projects that it will meet its ELA goal of 62% and exceed its math goal with 67% on grade level, Reynolds said, adding that they don’t have a formal projection for science and social studies because they don’t have the state’s progress monitoring assessments. But through internal assessments the district is on track to meet those goals as well, he said.

The district is also on track, Reynolds said, in increasing the academic performance for students in two high-priority

subgroups — African American and students with disabilities.

They have also increased the percentage of seniors who have completed a college and career acceleration option from 48% in 2023-24 to an estimated 58% this school year. Also at the workshop, each of the district’s 10 school principals gave mid-year reports on the implementation of their strategies to measure the impact on their academic focus areas.

“It was a great presentation,” Furry said at the board’s evening business meeting. “It gave the board and community a pulse to where (the schools) are right now.”

County decides not to sue Flagler Beach over 500-acre Summertown

Flagler County voted 4-1, with former Flagler Beach City Commissioner Kim Carney dissenting.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF

WRITER

The Flagler County Commission has ended its threat of a possible lawsuit with Flagler Beach over the Summertown development.

In a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Kim Carney, voting against, approving the agreements negotiated between Flagler County and Flagler Beach staff and attorneys. The county began the conflict resolution process on Jan. 29, listing five specific areas it

felt the rezoning of the Summertown development went against the county’s and Flagler Beach’s comprehensive plans.

Summertown is one of two major developments that has been undergoing the annexation process into Flagler Beach from unincorporated Flagler County. The 500-acre development lies along the west side of John Anderson Highway and would add 1,600 residential units, a hotel and a commercial area.

The five specific items of conflict outlined by the county in regards to Summertown are over a reclaimed water facility to service the development, protecting floodplains, and three areas of potential impact to John Anderson Highway.

Four out of five of the prob-

lems were agreed to in a meeting with staff and attorneys on Feb. 13. At a special meeting for the Flagler County Commission on Feb. 23 to vote on the agreed terms for the conflict resolution, County Attorney Michael Rodriguez said the last item, that of the environmentally sensitive wetlands, was finalized after an additional meeting with the developer.

“All five issues that were in conflict between the city and the county have therefore been resolved,” Rodriguez said.

To resolve concerns over the potential impact to John Anderson, Flagler Beach and the developer agreed to pay the county a proportional amount of transportation impact fees, Rodriguez said. The resolution also confirms that Flagler

Voluntary annexation approved:

Bunnell City Commission OKs first reading; land will remain zoned agricultural.

RICH CARROLL

MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

The Bunnell City Commission approved the first reading of an ordinance annexing approximately 240 acres into the city limits, incorporating three agricultural parcels along County Road 45 that were previously located in unincorporated Flagler County.

Community Development Director Joseph Parsons pre-

sented the request during the Feb. 23 commission meeting, explaining that the annexation was initiated by the property owner and follows Florida’s voluntary annexation process.

Using a map displayed during the meeting, Parsons showed how the three parcels sit directly adjacent to existing city boundaries and are surrounded by municipal limits on multiple sides. He explained that the properties create what is known as an enclave, meaning land that is outside the city but bordered by it.

“So we received voluntary applications to bring these parcels, which create an enclave, into the city,” Parsons told commissioners.

The three parcels, located at 261 County Road 45, total approximately 240 acres. Parsons emphasized that while the annexation would bring the property into Bunnell’s jurisdictional boundaries, it would not change how the land is currently classified or used.

“These parcels totaling 240 acres as presented are currently zoned agriculture and timberland in Flagler County,” Parsons said. “We currently have a land use designation of agriculture with a zoning designation of agriculture. So the applicant is requesting no change in designation or zoning.”

That clarification was central to the presentation. Parsons stressed that no rezon-

Beach will provide water, sewer and reuse reclaimed water services to both Veranda Bay and Summertown.

The final problem revolved around the sale of 153 acres of environmentally sensitive floodplains in neighboring Bulow Creek. Flagler County has been in talks with the developer to purchase the land for months. Developer Ken Belshe has said multiple times on the record he is willing to sell the property to the county, but the main concern in the dispute was if the sale did not go through.

This was resolved by the developer guaranteeing a three-year time period for the parties to complete the sale. Flagler County hopes to purchase the land through the Florida Forever program.

Carney said she still had

ing request accompanies the annexation. The land will remain agricultural under the city’s comprehensive plan and

concerns over the issues with reuse water in Summertown.

She said it seems that the city is depending on $11 million of impact fees to be able to fund a portion of its future reclaimed water facility.

Carney said the developer had said at a past Flagler Beach Commission meeting that Summertown and Veranda Bay would consume “almost all of” the available reclaimed water, while the city is planning on spending millions to get the reclaimed water used in the city.

“There does not seem to be real clear communication,” Carney said. But, Carney said, that’s a Flagler Beach issue to figure out.

Despite Carney’s reservations, the majority vote puts an end to Flagler County possibly filing a lawsuit against

Flagler Beach. “I want to thank everybody, staff, for getting this done,” Commissioner Andy Dance said. “We gave them the direction to get together and come to an agreement that was acceptable to the city. I think, through us and with the applicant, I think the process worked out.”

Flagler Beach is set to vote for a second and final time on the Veranda Bay development, located on the east side of John Anderson Parkway, at its Feb. 26 City Commission meeting. The City Commission approved the first vote for the annexation, rezoning and land use for the 234-acre development in January, and tabled the second reading until the prospective lawsuit with Flagler County was cleared up.

zoning regulations. There are no proposals tied to the ordinance to convert the acreage to residential, commercial or industrial use.

Parsons said annexing the property allows the city to establish a more consistent boundary line and ensures the parcels are governed under municipal regulations rather than remaining under county jurisdiction while surrounded by city limits.

City Attorney Paul Waters noted that the annexation is being processed in accordance with Section 171.044 of the Florida Statutes, which governs voluntary annexations. Commissioners did not raise questions following Parsons’ explanation, and no members

of the public spoke on the item during the hearing. The commission voted unanimously to approve the ordinance on first reading. The measure will return at a future meeting for a second reading and final adoption. If approved on second reading, the annexation will officially expand Bunnell’s municipal limits by 240 acres while preserving the land’s agricultural classification. Parsons’ presentation made clear that the action is administrative in nature. It adjusts city boundaries to incorporate property that already sits alongside Bunnell and does not signal any immediate development or land use change.

CARLI PONTIERI, PALM COAST VICE MAYOR

Why I’m returning ICI’s $5K campaign donation

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri recently announced she would be returning campaign donations from five developers, and that she would be co-authoring a bill on smoke shops and vapes. Here’s what she has to say about the recent approval of the ICI Homes’ Easthampton development and her ideas to protect youth.

Why did you decide to return the donations given to you by developers?

There’s a narrative being created by a select group of residents claiming that my vote in favor of the development that is being donated by ICI Homes to our first responders, teachers, nurses, through a nonprofit — that my vote in favor of that is due to $5,000 in campaign contributions from entities associated with ICI Homes.

That is wholly false, and I want to take away the ability for people to create that narrative for two reasons.

The first being that I don’t want a negative shadow to be cast over what I think is a really great project for our community. So I’m going to sacrifice my own campaign contributions in order to avoid such a negative light being cast over what I think is a really positive thing for our community.

And two, people need to know that I genuinely believe in this. I genuinely believe that we should take opportunities to have affordable housing for first responders, teachers, nurses, some of our city workers that are laborers and that do a really good job for our community, but are not paid what it takes to afford owning a home in this

community. I want them to know that I believe in projects like this, not because there’s a campaign contribution on the other end of it, but because it’s the right thing to do.

How do you balance increasing density while also offering affordable housing that isn’t contingent on taxpayers?

First, the size of the lot [in the Easthampton development] is completely compliant with our land development code. That was one thing I told the developer to fix for the second read. If you’ll recall, the first proposal [had lots that] were lower than the size required pursuant to our land development code, and I was very explicit that I would not approve it on second read unless they became compliant. They did so, therefore I did not have as much of an issue with the lot sizes. The second thing to keep in mind is that this property is zoned so that one to three units per acre could be constructed on the lots. The current density, as approved by city council, equates to less than two dwelling units per acre. So pursuant to the zoning that was already in place — we did not touch the zoning.

We didn’t touch the land use designation — pursuant to that zoning, this developer with this new proposal is still below the dwelling units per acre that is permitted pursuant to what they’re allowed to do on their own property.

So, yes, I have made a lot of comments that I don’t want our lot sizes to get any smaller, and these lot sizes don’t get any smaller pursuant to our land development code.

I think it’s really important what you pointed out about the fact that we are getting some affordable housing for our frontline workers, without the burden falling on the taxpayers. And that’s exactly what good policy making in the affordable housing realm should look like.

When it comes to local candidates accepting campaign donations, where do you think the ethical burden is on a candidate, especially somebody who’s already in office?

The primary concern for any person in office should be, is this the best decision for my community, yes or no. I have always done that.

As far as accepting campaign contributions, this is the one and only developer or builder contribution I have ever accepted. I did so willingly, because ICI has done a lot of really wonderful things for this community that people don’t realize, and they continue to work with the city and the county to try to do really good things for the community.

They’re donating this land and getting not a single penny from it. And I think it’s really important to point out that this approval was explicitly conditional on them donating the land. If they don’t end up donating the land, then they don’t get the approval that we just approved, they’ll go back to the 58 homes. They’ll go back to the larger lot sizes that they had previously.

But I’m willing to sacrifice that $5,000 to make sure that the community realizes this is a good thing and it was done for the right reasons.

(When asked when the money will be returned, Pontieri said that as she is going through the recent passing of her mother, it is not an immediate priority, but the funds will be returned by the next reporting period.)

At the Feb. 17 City Council meeting, you announced you would be working on a bill with Rep. Sam Greco on regulating the locations of smoke shops. How did you decide to tackle that?

There haven’t been any specifics that we have decided will be in or out of the bill at this time. But basically my goals, and I’ll say my goals, because I haven’t been able to get in touch with our leg-

islators to start the process, but my goals for the bill are to limit the amount of smoke shops permitted within a certain mile radius — and their proximity to schools, churches, day cares, youth centers.

Right now it’s kind of hard to make sure that substances that are in vapes, while legal, based on their chemical compounds, don’t still have harmful effects on people.

The other thing that I really want to tackle in this first round is trying to make it so that vapes can only be sold out of liquor stores or smoke shops specifically, rather than people being able to buy them at convenience stores, gas stations, things of that nature.

Is that crossing over the line into business rights?

I don’t believe so. I think whenever you’re engaging in the legislative process and in policy making, you always have to balance certain interests.

If I have to look at the interests of my community as a whole, specifically our young people who control the future of our community, versus the rights of a business owner who wants to sell what is ultimately a bad product for the mental and physical health of our community, I’m going to side with the mental and physical health of our community every day the week.

I am a very stark proponent for business owners and business rights, but to me, the interest of ensuring health and safety for our community members trumps that in this scenario.

What spurred an interest specifically in the issue of young people having access to vapes?

I’m really active with the sports communities and leagues in our city. I work with them very closely to

ensure they have access to fields, that they have programming. You know we’re working on trying to improve the current fields, get them additional field space.

I was told by some members of those leagues and parents that, hey, you know, we really love the sports leagues. We’d really like more things for our kids to do because they’re getting into trouble. They’re getting their hands on things they shouldn’t be, including vapes.

That started my inquisition into well, how many kids are getting their hands on these vapes and what is inside them. That’s when I contacted our Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and started engaging with them and asking them questions. I figured out very quickly that not only are these getting into the hands of young people that are below the legal age to even purchase them, but it’s very hard for our Sheriff’s Office to test what is actually inside of them, because they have to send them off to the FDLE [the Florida Department of Law Enforcement], and the FDLE has to actually do the testing, and that can take a really long time, because FDLE is also in charge of testing things like sexual assault kits and things of that nature, so things that are kind of higher up on the priority list.

Sometimes we don’t get test results for these things back for weeks or even months at a time. By that time, the goal post has kind of moved, and now the compounds that are inside the vape have changed. That’s when I decided, OK, well, the way to probably tackle this is more on the legislative side, and kind of cut it off at the knees, rather than relying on enforcement, because they have such a difficult time once it gets to that enforcement level.

OPINION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Flock cameras are watching you

Dear Editor: Is there a tracking device on my car?

Well, probably not. But, law enforcement with the prolific Flock Safety Camera System doesn’t need to put a tracking device on your car. You put one there yourself: your license plate.

Here is how it works. Each and every time you drive by any one of the hundred of Flock cameras, the date, time and location of your passage is recorded and stored in a database. Florida currently has no law on how long that information can be kept by police. It then is quite simple for someone in law enforcement to enter in your license plate into the system and produce a complete history of where you’ve been and when you were there. No reasonable suspicion, probable cause or warrant required. Unlike the old school traffic cameras that are used by police to search for a vehicle, this captures and records everyone. Like most new technology, the laws regulating it are trying to catch up and vary widely across the country. Granted, there certainly are a lot of valuable law enforcement benefits, but at what cost to your protection from unwarranted search and seizure?

I fortunately live in Ormond and enjoy the protections and service of an absolutely quality police force, but that’s what you get in Ormond. It’s simply a nicer place to live. I believe we all should

exercise a degree of caution over these rapidly expanding technologies.

SJ DRISCOLL Ormond Beach

Last-minute East Hampton shift raises concerns

Dear Editor: The Feb. 17 Palm Coast City Council meeting was scheduled to serve as the second reading of a proposal to increase the density of the East Hampton development from 58 homes to 71 homes, along with a reduction in lot sizes from 8,250 square feet (approximately 91 x 91 feet) to 6,000 square feet (approximately 60 x 100 feet).It is important to remind our residents that this project was litigated in 2012, and the agreed-upon resolution at that time established a cap of 58 homes.

That agreement was not incidental; it was the result of a legal process and represented a settled understanding regarding the scale and character of the development. However, during the initial reading of this new proposal, there was no mention of nonprofit involvement, nor was there any binding requirement restricting sales to first responders or public servants. Those elements were introduced later and significantly change the nature of the proposal. For all practical purposes, the reading on the 17th functioned as the first reading of a materially revised proposal, not the second reading of the original item. This last-minute shift represents a substantial departure from the previously litigated agreement and sets a precedent for increased

density in future developments. Such a precedent deserves full transparency, thorough public review and proper procedural handling. Additionally, there is no contractual agreement in place that binds the developer to restrict the sale of these homes to first responders, veterans or public servants. The only document referenced is a Letter of Intent.

Furthermore, according to various real estate sources, there are currently between 1,300 and 2,200 active listings in Palm Coast as of February 2026, across a wide range of price points, some of which are already within reach of our first responders and veterans. Before altering previously settled development standards and increasing density, we must carefully evaluate whether such changes are truly necessary to address housing needs. Our responsibility as a council is to uphold prior agreements, ensure transparency in the legislative process and protect the integrity of our community planning standards.

I remain committed to protecting Palm Coast’s neighborhoods, maintaining thoughtful growth standards and ensuring that any policy decisions we make are transparent, legally sound and in the best long-term interest of our residents.

RAY STEVENS Palm Coast

Ray Stevens is a candidate for Palm Coast City Council

Editor’s Note: The application was approved on the condition that the land be donated to the nonprofit for the benefit of frontline workers, as presented in the Feb. 17 meeting. If the land is not donated to the nonprofit, the entitlements revert back to the previously litigated 58 homes.

Recycling water

Dear Editor:

Nevada/Las Vegas has been recycling wastewater since 1956. Initially, the water was used for irrigation and industrial uses, but it wasn’t long before it was sent back to the Colorado River and, eventually, directly into the water supply.

Orange County, California, has recently achieved the same result with the reclaimed water being pumped back into the well field from which the city draws its water. I believe that any new building project in Arizona has to go the reclaimed water route.

For the ultimate in reclaimed water use, consider the Space Station.

RICHARD MOORE

Ormond Beach

Could this be the fix to SB 180?

Dear Editor:

The Florida Senate has taken a responsible step forward by unanimously passing Senate Bill 840 (380) to correct the unintended consequences of last year’s Senate Bill 180. While SB 180 was well-intentioned to speed hurricane rebuilding and prevent overly restrictive moratoriums, its broad implementation created uncertainty and challenges

for local governments and property owners in our communities.

SB 840 brings needed balance: It narrows the affected radius from 100 to 50 miles from a hurricane’s track, limits application to federally declared disaster areas, protects critical infrastructure such as:

„ stormwater „ water supply

„ sewer system accelerates

„ the sunset of certain provisions this year

These refinements promote clarity, protect essential recovery efforts, and preserve appropriate local authority where it does not impede rebuilding.

I commend our senators for listening to widespread concerns, including from local leaders and residents impacted by recent storms.

Now, it is imperative that the Florida House of Representatives act swiftly on the companion bill (House Bill 1465) before the session ends in three weeks.

Our communities deserve this fix to ensure responsible, efficient recovery without unnecessary overreach.

Your voice matters — please contact your House Representative today and urge support for this essential legislation. Together, we can protect Florida’s future.

DAVID SOSA Deltona

Editor’s note: David Sosa is a former Deltona City Commissioner. He represented District 6.

Pedestrians, acknowledge cars that stop for you

Dear Editor: My husband noticed something that completely eluded me: “Look at the people you allow to cross in front of you in a parking lot. They never wave or acknowledge you.” I didn’t believe him, so I tested his observation. I drove back and forth in the Target shopping center in Palm Coast from Target to America’s Best and back again. Not one person waved or looked my way. It didn’t matter if they were crossing at the crosswalk or not, it never happened. I thought maybe it was just the time of day, so I tested it out in the morning, afternoon and early evening. Nada. So, if a car stops for you to cross, it would be a nice gesture to nod, or wave or smile. It’s not that hard to do.

JOAN SOLDANO Palm Coast

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see why experience

Volusia Sheriff Chitwood rescinds endorsement of Rep. Fine

Fine has made several controversial comments on social media over the last week about Muslims.

Fine was referring to a DailyMail news article where an Muslim activist made comments saying dogs should be banned as indoor pets. Since then, Fine has faced backlash for his comments but has doubled down.

in 2024 to represent the Flagler, Volusia, Lake, Marion, Putnam and St. Johns counties in Congress — made several posts on the social media platform X about Muslims.

“If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one,” Fine wrote.

Chitwood posted on his personal Facebook page on Feb. 19 that he could no longer support or endorse Fine’s campaign to speak for them in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Rep. Fine’s statements that have come to my attention recently just don’t align with my responsibility to stand up and protect the entire community,” Chitwood wrote.

As sheriff of Volusia County, Chitwood said his respon-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Approval of rezoning is disappointing

Dear Editor:

I am deeply troubled and extremely disappointed by the City Council’s decision to approve the rezoning request for the ICI Homes East Hampton development, increasing the density from 58 homes to 71 homes on significantly smaller lots.

sibility is to protect everyone.

“I realize now that the Congressman’s passionate rhetoric has crossed lines in the past,” Chitwood wrote.

“Beyond his latest controversy, I cannot endorse wishing for kids in Gaza to starve, or for Muslim American citizens to be expelled from the U.S.”

In his post, Chitwood said he had in the past worked well together with Fine. Chitwood endorsed Fine in his first run for Congress and had again endorsed him for his reelection campaign.

Chitwood said he respects Fine’s fight for his faith and his beliefs, but had to “part ways when that fight turns into an attack on our Muslim

neighbors.”

In a statement from Fine that Chitwood shared on his Facebook page, Fine wrote that he respects everything Chitwood has done to keep Volusia County safe, “no matter your religious faith.

“We agree that no one should face discrimination for who they are and that no one should be able to use their faith to force their values on others. We both speak our minds and that’s what friends do,” Fine wrote. “I will always support his work and the job the men and women of the VCSO do day in and day out and look forward to continuing to partner with him as your Congressman.”

To supersede or disregard a court-sanctioned agreement in favor of a verbal understanding or nonbinding Letter of Intent sets a troubling precedent. Such documents can be altered without consequence, leaving our residents and our city exposed to unnecessary risk.

In my opinion, this action reflects a lack of contractual prudence and careful governance in a matter that will have long-term impacts on our community. I would also like to formally apologize for inappropriate and derogatory remarks made during discussion regarding the quality of other builders’ products, including KB Homes and DR Horton. Our discourse should remain professional and focused on policy, not personal or corporate disparagement.

My vote on this matter was “no” because I believe this

During the public hearing, resident after resident came forward with compelling reasons to either deny the request or, at minimum, table the vote to allow for proper due diligence. The concerns raised by our citizens deserved serious consideration and additional review. Unfortunately, that did not occur. The motion to proceed with the vote was not withdrawn, and the council ultimately approved the developer’s proposal based largely on attorney representations and a Letter of Intent that, in my view, lacks enforceability and meaningful guarantees.

undocumented proposition is contrary to the public interest and provides no guarantees to our first responders, civil servants, veterans or the hardworking families of Palm Coast.

I stand with the people of Palm Coast. As our city continues to grow, infrastructure improvements and responsible commercial development must come first. That is the priority, and that is the standard I will continue to uphold.

MIKE NORRIS

Mayor of Palm Coast

Summertown developer’s argument is ironic

Dear Editor:

In response to the article by Rich Carroll published on Thursday, Feb. 19, I find it ironic that the developer of the Veranda Bay/Summer-

town projects accuses Flagler County and Flagler Beach officials of “re-trading” the purchase of environmentally sensitive wetlands near Bulow Creek.

Developers routinely use PUD designations to allow future project changes without public hearings—effectively re-trading approvals without public input. Yet when public officials seek alternatives to preserve sensitive land, the developer objects.

While I generally oppose eminent domain, I support its use in this case. Florida should reevaluate PUD designations and the broader environmental impact of development statewide.

MICHAEL CELENZA Flagler Beach

‘Senior senior’ appreciates residents’ kindness

Dear Editor:

Now that I’ve joined the

ranks of the senior senior citizens, I realize how much I appreciate all the help residents give me as I go about my business in the city of Palm Coast.

For instance, opening doors for me, grabbing items off the high shelves in the supermarket, the list goes on.

I would like to thank all the good citizens of Palm Coast (and you know who you are) — a great big thank you indeed.

FRED PELLMANN Palm Coast

Reducing insurance rates

Dear Editor:

Recently, an article celebrated the success of House Bill 837 at reducing insurance rates as a result of tort reform. There is a very simple method to reduce insurance rates, bigly.

That method isto require the State Attorney’s to prosecute perjury in civil litiga-

tion. It rarely, if ever, happens. I wonder why?

MATT NELLANS Ormond Beach

Send letters to brent@ observerlocalnews.com. Include first and last name, as well as city of residence. Editor may alter the letter for clarity and/or length.

BERRY NICE

A portion of festival proceeds will benefit local Boys and Girls Clubs. Canned goods for Grace Community Food Pantry collected.

OBSERVER STAFF

The ninth annual Palm Coast Strawberry Festival was held at the Florida Agricultural Legacy Learning Center on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21 and 22. The festival featured family activities, a pie eating contest, monster truck rides, axe

throwing, live music, a free petting farm and more.

“We saw so many amazing photos, enjoyed tons of fresh

Top woodcarver

The Palm Coast Woodcarvers Program honored Bob Knapp of Palm Coast as its

strawberries, strawberry shortcake, and strawberry fudge, and made the sweetest memories together,” a post stated on the festival’s Facebook page. “The kids bounced their hearts out in the bounce houses, pirates flew through the air, and Saturday’s classic car show was seriously impressive.”

A portion of the festival proceeds will benefit local Boys and Girls Clubs. Canned goods for Grace Community Food Pantry were also collected.

2026 Woodcarver of the Year on Feb. 17 at a luncheon in the Palm Coast Community Center. Each year the organization selects a Woodcarver of the Year for their contributions to the program and to the community. The Palm Coast Woodcarv-

ers meet every Tuesday at the Community Center from 1 to 4 p.m. Anyone over the age of 18 is invited to attend. There is no fee to join, however you must bring your own knives and wood. Send Your Town stories to brent@observerlocalnews. com.

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, FEB. 26

DIVING BOARD SESSION

When: 6-8 p.m.

Where: Ocean Center, 101 N.

Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach

Details: The Ocean Center is

launching a free monthly live entertainment series with the debut of Diving Board Sessions, a community-focused event designed to spotlight local artists and nonprofits in an intimate waterfront setting. Visit oceancenter.com.

‘START SPREADING THE NEWS’ WITH LIZA AND FRANK When: 7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: Tony Sands and Whitney Grace will deliver a tribute to Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli, featuring hits like “Cabaret,” “All That Jazz”, “Come Fly With Me” and “My Way.” Tickets cost $35. Visit https://ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com.

FRIDAY, FEB. 27

PADDLE INTO ADVENTURE!

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd. Flagler Beach

Details: Take this two-hour guided kayak tour, presented by the Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park. All skill levels over the age of 12 welcome. Registration is a donation of $50 per person; $25 if bringing your own kayak. Space is limited. Call 3866-517-2086 to register.

SATURDAY, FEB. 28

SPEAKER SERIES: ‘AMERICA’S FIRST SPEED TOURNAMENT’

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Dan Smith will present the history and evolution of racing in the area. This is part of the Ormond Beach Historical Society’s Speaker Series. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. There will be coffee and sweets. Free to members; $10 for non-members.

FLAGLER COUNTY NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1

Where: Princess Place Preserve, 2500 Princess Place Road, Palm Coast

Details: Enjoy trading booths, wildlife exhibits, children’s activities, traditional Native American dancing, weapons demonstrations and more. Tickets cost $10 for adults; $5 for children. Veterans and kids under 5 are free.

PADDLE INTO ADVENTURE!

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd. Flagler Beach

Details: Take this two-hour guided kayak tour, presented by the Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park. All skill levels over the age of 12 welcome. Registration is a donation of $50 per person; $25 if bringing your own kayak. Space is limited. Call 386-517-2086.

KICKSTART YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY WITH YOGA

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: South Ormond Neighborhood Center, 176 Division Ave., Ormond Beach

Details: Join Healthier Wealthier Wiser, Inc. and sponsor Progressive Medical Research for a yoga experience. Free event.

RSVP to Belinda with name and number of people attending at investinhealth2022@ gmail.com.

FLORIDA BOHEMIAN FEST

When: 12-8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1

Where: Florida Agricultural Museum, 7900 Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast

Details: Attend this two-day wellness experience featuring yoga, sound healing, crystals, tarot, herbal remedies and more. Tickets cost $25 for a one-day pass or $40 for both days. Visit https://www.floridabohemianfestival.com.

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED CHORAL MUSIC CONCERT

When: 4-5:30 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church, 105 Amsden Road, Ormond Beach

Details: See the Bel Canto Singers of Daytona perform this choral concert celebrating love in all its forms. The concert will feature music from Broadway musicals, the Beatles, Dolly Parton, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, and classic jazz standards. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Visit belcantodaytona. org.

16TH ANNUAL RACE OF THE RUNWAYS 5K RUN/WALK

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Flagler Executive Airport, 201 Airport Road, Palm Coast

Details: Hosted by the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, this 5K event invites you to wear your best glow-in-the-dark gear as you walk or run around the runway. Costs $45 for adults; $5 for the kiddie dash. Visit https://www.runway5kflagler. com/Race/FL/PalmCoast/ 5KRaceofTheRunways.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND BLOOD DRIVE

When: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: The Knights of Columbus Council 13018 will serve a pancake breakfast at the Social Hall and the OneBlood Big Red Bus will be onsite to accept blood donations. All donors will receive a free pass to the pancake breakfast, as well as a free gift, $20 eGift card and a complimentary wellness checkup from OneBlood.The breakfast includes all the pancakes you can eat, scrambled eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee. The breakfast

for non-donors costs $6 for adults, and children under 12 eat free. All are welcome.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3

LA HORA DEL CUENTO

When: 11 a.m.

Where: Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach

Details: Children and their caregivers are introduced to basic building blocks of literacy, in English and Spanish, through stories, rhymes and music. Free program. Registration is not required.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

MEMORY MAKERS QUILT GUILD When: 9:30 a.m. to noon on the first Wednesday of each month

Where: UF/IFAS Extension Flagler County Education Center, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell

Details: Join the Memory Makers Quilt Guild. All are welcome. Meetings end with a luncheon buffet. The club currently has 63 members and is looking to add new ones. Annual membership fee is $25.

BINGO When: 6-9 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Elks Lodge, 53 Old Kings Road, Palm Coast Details: Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the first card calling at 6 p.m. Light refreshments for purchase until 6 p.m.

DSC MUSIC: ‘CONNECTING THROUGH SONG’ When: 7-9 p.m.

Where: Daytona State College News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach Details: See this performance by the DSC College of Music. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for children under 12 and Volusia and Flagler students. Free for DSC students, faculty and staff with a college ID. For more information, call the box office by phone at 386-2261888 or by email at boxoffice@daytonastate.edu.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR CITY MANAGER

When: 9-10 a.m.

Where: Panera Bread, 5880 State Route 100, Palm Coast Details: The City of Palm Coast invites residents to grab a cup of coffee with City Manager Mike McGlothlin. Free. Registration required. Visit www.parksandrec.fun.

FOCUS ON FAITH

Parkview Church expands to Ormond Beach with new campus

Renovations are underway at longclosed church building as congregation plans Easter launch.

Parkview Church, based in Palm Coast, is expanding its presence to Volusia County with a new campus in Ormond Beach, repurposing a church building that had been closed for five years and planning to launch regular worship services by Easter.

The expansion is part of Parkview’s broader “Even Greater” initiative, a growth effort that includes campus

development and outreach across the region. Church leaders say the Ormond Beach location represents both a physical renovation and a renewed investment in the community.

“This new campus gives us the opportunity to reach people in a new area, connect with families we haven’t been able to serve before and continue building a stronger, more unified church community,” Pastor Brad Goeman said.

The church recently purchased the long-shuttered building and has been steadily renovating the property. Completed work includes a new roof, exterior painting, interior cleanup and major renovations inside the auditorium. Additional interior improvements are ongoing.

On Feb. 22, Parkview hosted an Ormond Prayer Night at the site, welcoming community members for an open house-style gathering that included prayer, worship and vision casting ahead of the campus launch. Attendees were invited to walk through the renovated space, view construction progress and write scriptures on the floor of the auditorium as a symbolic act of dedication.

The Ormond Beach campus will be led by Goeman and will feature live worship services, with sermons livestreamed from Parkview’s main Palm Coast campus.

Church leaders said the new location will allow Parkview to reach more families in the Ormond Beach area while breathing new life into a building that had sat unused for several years.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to restore this space and open it once again for worship and community,” Goeman said.

Parkview Church’s main campus is located in Palm Coast, where it has continued to grow in attendance and programming. The Ormond Beach campus is expected to officially begin Sunday services by Easter, with additional details to be announced in the coming weeks.

Residents interested in learning more about the Ormond Beach campus or getting involved can find information through Parkview Church’s website.

Palm Coast United Methodist celebrates Ash Wednesday

Palm Coast United Methodist Church marked the beginning of the Lenten season on Feb. 18 by offering community members two opportunities to receive ashes, including a drive-thru option and a traditional evening worship service.

The dual approach was designed to make the Ash Wednesday tradition accessible to people with varying schedules and needs. The church received over 400 attendees between both services.

“Whether in their cars or in the sanctuary, this was an opportunity for people to pause, reflect and receive a blessing as they begin the Lenten season,” said Pastor Kevin M. James Sr., lead pastor of Palm Coast United Methodist Church,

The evening service featured an inspirational message from Rev. Reggie Byums, along with scripture readings and moments of reflection marking the start of the 40day Lenten journey leading up to Easter.

Palm Coast United Methodist Church is located at 6500 Belle Terre Parkway.

Shepherd of the Coast Lutheran Church to host free concert

Shepherd of the Coast Lutheran Church will host a free live concert featuring the Concordia Chicago Kapelle Choir at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6.

The concert will showcase classical Christian music performed with piano and

organ accompaniment. The Kapelle Choir, an ensemble from Concordia University Chicago, is led by Dr. Charles P. Brown, director of choral activities at the university.

The event is open to the public, and no admission is required. A freewill offering will be collected during the concert to support the Kapelle Choir and its ongoing musical ministry.

Shepherd of the Coast Lutheran Church is located at 101 Pine Lakes Parkway in Palm Coast.

For more information about the concert, visit www.sotcpc. com.

A reflection of Lent

Father Jose Panthaplamthottiyil, lead pastor at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, recently reflected on the holy season of Lent:

“Each year, the Church invites us into the holy season of Lent, a forty-day journey of prayer, fasting, repentance, and generosity that prepares us to celebrate the joy of Easter,” Jose wrote. “Beginning on Feb. 18, 2026, Lent is not merely a time of giving up certain foods or comforts. It is a sacred opportunity to renew our relationship with God, to turn away from sin, and to grow spiritually.

“Just as Jesus spent forty days in prayer and fasting in the desert, so too we are called to enter this season with sincere hearts, allowing God’s grace to transform us. Lent helps us remove distractions and refocus our lives on what truly matters: God’s mercy and the saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”

A CALL TO CONVERSION OF HEART

“At the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes as a sign of repentance and

and

humility,” Jose wrote. “We hear the words, ‘Repent and believe in the Gospel,’ reminding us that Lent is a time for interior change. This season invites us to examine our lives honestly. Are there habits that weaken our faith? Are there attitudes of anger, pride, or selfishness that harm our relationships? Are we neglecting prayer or the practice of our faith? True Lenten observance is not about feeling guilty but about opening our hearts to God’s mercy. The Lord always desires to forgive, heal, and renew those who turn to Him.”

WALKING TOWARD

EASTER WITH HOPE

“The purpose of Lent is transformation,” Jose wrote.

“As we pray more deeply, fast with intention, give generously, and seek forgiveness, we allow God to shape our hearts. The sacrifices of Lent prepare us to experience the joy of Easter more fully — the celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and death.

“May this season of Lent be a time of true renewal for our parish family. May it draw us closer to God, strengthen our faith, and inspire us to live more fully as disciples of Christ. Let us walk this Lenten journey together with hope, trusting that God will lead us to new life in the risen Lord.” St. Elizabeth Ann Seton will host a Lenten Retreat from March 16-18; a Lenten Penance Service on March 19; and an All-Day Adoration and Confessions on March 30. Additionally, the church will pray the Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent.

YOUR SCHOOLS

Kiwanis Club honors top seniors

The Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis Club honored its November, December and January Seniors of the Month for Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas high schools at its Feb. 11 luncheon meeting.

Kiwanis Club board member Frank Consentino presented the awards to FPC seniors Ella Sheffield (November), Arianna Slaughter (December) and Mallory Blackburn (January) and Matanzas seniors Remy Battles (November), Liliana Lisowski (December) and Megan Rhee (January).

Ormond kids win at state science fair Students from Trailblazer Academy in Ormond Beach claimed five out of 10 top awards statewide in the 2025-2026 Florida Virtual School Science Fair.

The winners included:

„ Annabella Ninivaggi — The Effect of Pot Size on Plant Growth — 1st Place (Elementary)

„ Sir West — How Do Different Amounts of Recycled Aquarium Water Affect Plant Growth? — 2nd Place (Elementary)

„ Alyssa Williams — Do Different Types of Water Affect Seed Germination? — 3rd Place (Middle)

„ Makenna Green — Chocolate Racing! — Honorable Mention

(Middle)

„ Jessalyn Goodhand — Water Filtration — Honorable Mention (Middle)

“This recognition reflects the caliber of individuals we serve and the level of rigor we expect,” said Samantha Wood, co-founder of Trailblazer Academy, in a press release.

Opening in 2025, Trailblazer Academy is a women-owned, Ormond Beach-based gifted program serving grades 3-9. Visit trailblazeracademy.net.

More VCS students are earning college credit, certifications Volusia County Schools’ College

Ormond family transforms The Trails tennis club

Asaf and Avi Breier aim to help Trailside Tennis Club serve more players, including juniors, with big impact.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

For the past six months, Ormond Beach residents Asaf and Avi Breier have been working to transform — and modernize — the Trailside Tennis Club.

Located in The Trails neighborhood, the facility was formerly known as the Trails Racquet Club. The Breiers purchased the club in August 2025, after seeing the potential it could have to foster and mentor a diverse community of tennis players of all levels.

“We’re excited for people to be on this journey with us,” Asaf said.

The Breiers ran a small tennis academy in Austin, Texas, before moving to Ormond Beach. Asaf, whose father was a top tennis player in Israel, has over two decades of coaching experience, and when he and his wife were looking to buy a club of their own, they discovered the Trails Racquet Club facility for sale. Moving to Ormond Beach, with its robust Jewish community, was a good fit for the family.

Having a club would also allow them to focus on one of Asaf’s passions: developing junior players.

Asaf is currently working to establish a partnership with DME Academy in Daytona Beach. The training institu-

tion offers athletic programs for students from seventh to 12th grade, but doesn’t have a tennis program.

“It was like all these things were waiting for us,” Asaf said.

“This club was on the market for like two-and-a-half years and people were interested, but nobody had pulled the trigger. Then we came in and we’re like, ‘Let’s go for it.’”

The Breiers are finalizing the contract with DME, but are hoping to start recruiting students soon for the first cohort in August. Asaf believes Ormond Beach will have regional champions under his coaching within the first couple of years. But bringing in a new generation of players at Trailside

Tennis Club has challenges, such as letting the community know the club isn’t just for people who live in The Trails. Anyone can book a court, with memberships and guest passes.

The Breiers are also expanding youth programming. They are launching Mommy & Me classes for toddlers, adding afterschool tennis programs and plan to introduce camps and free community try-out days. They hope to one day open a restaurant onsite.

Thanks to funding from the U.S. Tennis Association, the couple is also implementing something new to Trailside Tennis Club to set them apart: red clay courts. Growing up, Asaf would

play tournaments in Europe, where clay courts are standard.

“I just remember that feeling of red clay — you’re sliding and gliding like on the court, and I wanted to bring that here,” he said. “So, we did it.”

Beyond tennis, Avi said, they want the club to feel like a community center.

“We want to welcome as many different kinds of people here,” she said. “It’s not for one particular age or tennis level.”

Currently, the Trailside Tennis Club has about 70 members, having inherited about 50 from the last operator. Many of the members, said Avi, have been with the club for decades.

“We wanted to honor that they’ve been here and we do a lot of social events for them,” Avi said. “We’ve had maybe three or four different socials where they all come here, everyone brings potluck, and so that’s been really nice. They’re already part of the community.”

Asaf started coaching when he was on his college tennis team in New York. His philosophy, he said, has always been about the “intangibles.”

The technical side is straightforward. But the other factors — the physical, mental and emotional challenges and lessons about problem-solving and mindfulness — are carried into daily life, Asaf said.

“I don’t know what our last lesson will be, or the last time we’ll see each other, but I’m hoping that they’ll take something that’ll last with them for a long time,” he said Visit trailsidetennisclub. com.

BIZ BUZZ

Insight Chiropractic to open in Ormond

Insight Chiropractic in Ormond Beach will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting from 4-5 p.m. on March 19. Located at 290 Clyde Morris Blvd., Suite A-2, Insight Chiropractic blends chiropractic principles and integrative medicine. Under Dr. Michael Cox, Insight Chiropractic provides care for full spine, upper cervical, pelvic rehabilitation, radiculopathy, and neuropathy. Cox became a doctor of chiropractic after he was diagnosed with an condition impacting his leg about 14 years ago, he said to the Observer

The condition caused him to need supports to walk.

“Three doctors all decided that I would likely never walk again without a cane crutch or brace,” Cox said in a press release. “I did not accept this and sought care outside the western systems.”

Having practiced martial arts when he was young, he rejoined Tai Chi and learned about traditional Chinese medicine. He then traveled to India and spent time learning Ayurvedic remedies for his condition.

Eighteen months later, he said his leg was as “good as

new” and didn’t need supports.

“This was a great accomplishment, but what came next is what changed me,” Cox said. “I helped three others with similar issues do the same kind of thing. I fell in love with helping others overcome severe intractable conditions.”

He switched careers and studied pre-med at Seminole State College before attending Palmer Florida College of Chiropractic.

Insight Chiropractic cares for all ages, with cases ranging from everyday discomfort to complex cases. Visit https:// www.1insightchiro.com.

Daytona airport sets record for passengers

The Daytona Beach International Airport reported a record of 3,534 passengers screened through the TSA checkpoint on Monday, Feb. 16, the day after the Daytona 500. The airport reported this is the highest single-day total since record keeping began. The average wait time was 14.31 minutes.

New dental office in Ormond Beach

Cypress Dental celebrated its ribbon cutting with the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the new office, at 275 Williamson Blvd., Suite 100, in Ormond Beach.

REAL ESTATE

Grand

Haven home sells

for $1,250,000

Ahouse at 83 Front St., in Grand Haven, was the top real estate transaction for Feb. 7-13 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Feb. 9, for $1,250,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a pool, a dock, an outdoor kitchen and 3,259 square feet. It sold in 2003 for $700,000. Listed by David Boettger and Kathryn Koorie, of Grand Living Realty.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

and 1,260 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $120,000. Pine Grove A house at 105 Pine Grove Drive sold on Feb. 13, for $290,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,488 square feet. It sold in 2011 for $150,000.

A house at 74 Plain View Drive sold on Feb. 13, for $385,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,704 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $200,000.

Condos A condo at 60 Surfview Drive, Unit 308, sold on Feb. 13 for $680,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2.5 and has 1,640 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $567,000.

Indian Trails A house at 9 Bill Court sold on Feb. 9, for $432,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,329 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $253,000.

A house at 85 Bird of Paradise Drive sold on Feb. 13, for $272,000. Built in 1996, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,519 square feet. It sold in 2007 for $155,000.

Lehigh Woods A house at 66 Ryland Lane sold on Feb. 13, for $330,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,860 square feet.

A house at 8 Rolling Fern Place sold on Feb. 13, for $294,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool

Pine Lakes A house at 1 Wood Acre Lane sold on Feb. 12, for $230,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,150 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $118,000. A house at 10 Westford Lane sold on Feb. 13, for $250,000. Built in 1984, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,568 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $114,900.

A house at 16 Woodfalon Place sold on Feb. 12, for $336,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,654 square feet.

Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.

SPORTS

Sprinters lead the way for second-place FPC boys at 22nd annual East Coast Classic track and field meet.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The weather was great, and the times were blistering at the 22nd annual East Coast Classic track and field meet on Friday, Feb. 20, at Flagler Palm Coast High School.

FPC coach David Halliday said the field of 20 schools and 1,257 athletes produced one of the deepest talent pools in the history of the meet.

“We had some really good, quality teams,” he said.

There were so many teams and athletes that entered, that Halliday said they had to enforce the minimum qualifying standards that were posted for each event. As a result, he said, about four teams dropped out.

“That was fine. They had to do what was best for their teams,” he said.

What he didn’t want was for the meet to go late into the night. In fact, it was done in under five hours with the last event ending at 8:58 p.m.

“To be able to roll through that many athletes right under five hours is pretty amazing,” Halliday said. “A lot of other track meets take eight hours. I’m proud of my staff for making it run so smooth. And it was nice to have a little warmer weather. We were very blessed with 80 degrees.”

Fast times, perfect weather

Niceville won both team titles. Thanks to four sprint championships, the Flagler Palm Coast boys placed second. Jordan Haymon won both the 200- and 400-meter dashes with personal-record times of 21.90 seconds in the 200 and 47.74 seconds in the 400. Haymon ran the second fastest 400 in school history behind C.J. Lockhart, who set the FPC record in 2009.

Logan Jacobelli won the 100 meters with a PR time of 10.68 seconds despite rolling back on his back foot in the starting block. That was the third fastest 100 time in school history. Jacobelli also placed second in the 200, two-hundredths of a second behind Haymon at 21.92 seconds.

The Bulldogs also won the night’s final event, the 4x400, with Jacobelli, Haymon, Michael Najpaver and Will Roberts winning by nearly 8.5 seconds wih a time of 3:24.70.

“That’s not our best 4x4 [time],” Jacobelli said. “But after such a rough day running so many events, we said, ‘We got to put out.’ When it comes down to the 4x4, that’s where we win.”

Haymon is now ranked first in the state in Class 4A in the

400 and sixth in the 200. Jacobelli is ranked seventh in both the 100 and 200. The Bulldogs’ 4x400 relay is ranked fourth with its time of 3:19.70 set at the Louie Bing Invitational in Miami on Feb. 13.

TWO WINS FOR MARCELUS

FPC’s other top athlete at the meet was Karina Marcelus, who won both the 100 hurdles (14.45 seconds) and the girls triple jump (37 feet, 10.75 inches) and added an eighthplace finish in the 200-meter dash.

Marcelus placed fourth in both the 100 hurdles and triple jump at state last season. This year, she’s aiming for titles in both events. She is currently ranked first in the state in Class 4A in the triple jump and second in the 100 hurdles.

“I did great,” the senior said of her day. “I had a season PR in the 100 hurdles race. I would say the hurdles is my best event, but now I’m starting to think the triple jump as well, especially how this season has been going so far.”

FPC girls coach Alycia Williams said Marcelus is on track to break the school’s triple jump record set 24 years ago by Williams’ twin sister, Alyce.

Marcelus, who also finished 11th at state in long jump last season, didn’t compete in that event at the East Coast Classic. She’ll go back to both jumping events moving forward, but she said she’s more comfortable in the triple jump.

“I think the dynamics with triple jump just works best for me, especially working on my first and second phase,” Marcelus said. “In the long jump, I just have to go. In triple jump, I get to recover and fix my jump.”

“To be able to roll through that many athletes right under five hours is pretty amazing, A lot of other track meets take eight hours. I’m proud of my staff for making it run so smooth. And it was nice to have a little warmer weather. We were very blessed with 80 degrees.”

DAVID HALLIDAY, FPC coach

PERSONAL RECORDS

GALORE

Seabreeze coach Matt Coleman said he likes that the East Coast Classic has qualifying standards.

“I brought 25, 26 kids, and they all had to qualify, and they’ve all done really well today,” Coleman said. “I think all but five or six of them hit PRs. They’re going up against quality competition, and it really pushes them. I’ve had so many of them come and tell me, ‘Wow, this is awesome. I didn’t win, but I set a PR because I was going against faster kids.’ It’s really helping them.”

Seabreeze’s Dominic Dowell placed second in the 400 hur-

dles with a time of 58.85 seconds. Aidan O’Brien placed third in the 200 with a PR time off 22.55 seconds and fifth in the 100. Jeremias George was fourth in the 110 hurdles in 16.93. Tabitha Hicks placed third in the girls 400 hurdles in 1:10.16. Mainland’s Ethan Figueroa won the boys long jump (21 feet, 11.75 inches) and placed second in high jump (6 feet, 1.5 inches). Jae’lyn Thompson was fourth in high jump. Michael London was fourth in discus and fifth in shot put. Aquila Rivers was third in girls 400 meters in 1:00.14. The Bucs girls 4x100 team placed third. Makayla Dow was fifth in long jump.

FPC’s Najir Eddins placed second in boys 110 hurdles with a PR time of 16.34 second. LaDarius Simmons was fourth in javelin. Roberts was fifth in the 400. Arianna Slaughter placed fifth in the girls 3,200 with a PR time of 11:32.01. Grace Taylor was fifth in javelin. Halliday said probably 90% of FPC’s competitors set personal records.

Jacksonville Providence’s Charles Loftin was among the top performers in the meet with a state-best time this season of 4:13.19 to win the 1,600 and 1:55.39 to win the 800. Bartram Trail freshman Avery Hartley won the girls 1,600 with a time of 5:00.40 and

800 in 10:53.95.

Defenses dominate in Seabreeze’s 9-6 win over Flagler Palm Coast

Zeke Adkins enjoys his first win as the Sandcrabs’ new head flag football coach against FPC’s new head coach John King.

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Seabreeze defeated Flagler Palm Coast 9-6 in a flag football game Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

Seabreeze running back Madison Opalewski ran for a long touchdown at the start of the fourth quarter and finished with the extra point, sealing the Sandcrabs’ first win of the season. It was

Zeke Adkins first win as the Sandcrabs’ new head coach. Seabreeze lost to Matanzas 7-6 in his first game on Feb. 17.

“I think these girls do a great job and care for each other, and I saw it tonight,” he said. “Especially in the second half when we were down, they came together as one unit, and teams like that can be very dangerous in the future.”

Adkins said he was thankful for what Opalewski brought to the game and her teammates.

“Maddie Opalewski was a big game-changer for us,” he said. “She rushed for the touchdown and an extra point. I can’t say enough about her. She put the team on her back.”

Opalewski attributes the win to a lot of repetition, hard work and extended practice times. The guidance she receives from her coaches has made her a good player, she stated.

“Everyone worked hard, and we couldn’t have done it without each other,” she said of the win. “We really like each other and just have a lot of good friendship throughout the team. I played basketball with (quarterback) Rani (Gupta) when we were really little, and our dads coached us. We’ve been playing sports together for a while, so I think that really helps.”

This is also FPC head coach John King’s first year coaching the Bulldogs’ flag football team, but he brings 20 years

of experience playing and coaching flag football in the military. Both he and Adkins are assistant tackle football coaches at their schools. King is also an assistant boys basketball coach.

Neither coach got a chance to practice with a complete team until the basketball and soccer players finished their seasons. Adkins said his entire team only practiced together twice before the game against FPC. King had two practices before the Bulldogs’ 6-0 win against Spruce Creek in the season opener.

King was impressed with Opalewski’s speed.

“She’s really quick,” he

said. “She’s fast. We saw her on film against Matanzas, so I knew she was quick. She did a good job of running through; we missed the flag a couple of times, and she took it to the house.”

FPC salvaged a safety they relinquished to Seabreeze in the first few minutes of the game with an interception by Tori Spann in the second quarter. She followed up with a touchdown just under two minutes before halftime.

“Tori Spann is a very, very special athlete,” King said.

“She’s a next-level athlete who also stars on our basketball team.”

King said both defenses

were dominant. FPC has a young team comprising a defensive lineup of one senior, two sophomore rushers, and two freshman corners. King credited the Seabreeze coaching staff with making a couple of adjustments at halftime and capitalizing on the Bulldogs’ mistakes.

“It was a really good game,” he said. “Seabreeze is going to have a great season. I think we will too, but it’s a process for us. I’ve got to teach them the game, and then we’ve got to clean up some of our mistakes on offense, but we’ll get there.”

FPC follwed with a 25-6 win against Matanzas on Feb. 24.

Seabreeze High is looking for new girls and boys team soccer coaches

Girls coach Eli Freidus stepped down. Boys coach Alex Perez was let go.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Seabreeze’s boys and girls soccer teams both advanced to the state playoffs this season. Now they are both start-

ing from scratch.

Seabreeze girls soccer coach Eli Freidus is resigning after leading the team for the past five years. Boys coach Alex Perez has been let go after two seasons, Seabreeze athletic director Anthony Campanella said.

“We appreciate Alex’s dedication and commitment over the past two years, but we decided to go in a different direction,” Campanella said.

Freidus compiled a 58-37-6 record over five seasons, leading the team to the playoffs each year. Before he took over the girls program, he was the Sandcrabs’ head boys coach for three seasons, guiding the team to the state championship game in 2018 and 2019.

“With his accolades and accomplishments, what he’s done here, he’ll be sorely missed, for sure,” Campanella said of Freidus.

Freidus said that after eight years as a head coach, he is ready for a break.

“I felt like we got the (girls) program to a really good place,” he said. “We won the Five Star (Conference) three

times. We won three district championships. We got to where we feel we’re one of the powerhouses locally again. But maybe it’s time to bring in some new blood with some new energy and give these girls a chance to take it to the next level.”

The Seabreeze girls lost by one goal in the playoffs in each of the past five years. They advanced to the regional finals — one game short of the final four — in 2023 and 2024.

“It was really a tough decision to leave the girls, because it’s a great group of kids,” Freidus said. “I made it a yearround job. It’s not a job I took lightly. Normally, this time I’m already pressing for next year. Now I’m looking at a whole summer off. My wife and I will do some traveling. But it is sad I won’t be on the practice field getting them ready for another season. This particular group is a hard working group. They’ll respond to any coach out there.”

‘TRADITION AND LEGACY’ Both Seabreeze soccer teams have a history of success. The

boys team won state championships in 1992, 1993 and 2017 and was a state runner-up four times (1990, 1994, 2018 and 2019). The Seabreeze girls haven’t won a state title but advanced to the state championship game under coach Uwe Baldwin in 1994, 1998, 1999 and 2004.

The boys team has finished with a losing record in each of the past three years, but they won the district championship this season to advance to the playoffs despite a 7-95 record. Perez compiled a 17-21-6 record in two seasons.

“Seabreeze has a long tradition and legacy with soccer,” Campanella said. “We wanted (the boys team) to go back and be there every year. It’s not easy. It’s very hard. Alex is a great guy, a wonderful human being. But we wanted to see what we can do to move forward.”

Perez said he was surprised that he wasn’t retained for a third season. He was an assistant coach on the 2017 championship team and he had coached an Ormond Beach Soccer Club travel team for

years. His son, Franco, played on the 2017 championship team. His daughter Patricia and stepdaughter Kylie Watson also played soccer for the Sandcrabs.

“It wasn’t something I was expecting, especially since we had the banquet the night before,” he said. “When they hired me, they asked me, ‘Why do you want to coach Seabreeze?’ I told them they opened the door to my kids and I wanted to give the school something back. I’m disappointed. It’s painful, because I leave the kids behind. They gave 120% every time they played, and I gave the same.”

Perez said there were some unhappy parents whose kids weren’t getting a lot of playing time, but with only 11 starting spots on the team, not everyone is going to be able to play. Neither job had been posted as of Thursday, Feb.19. Campanella, who had just been informed by Freidus of his decision, was focused on hiring a new boys coach.

“Obviously, we’re looking for somebody with experience,” he said. “We’re looking

Seabreeze let go Alex Perez.

for somebody who is a great communicator as well as do right by the student athletes and have a vision for getting the program back to where it used to be.

“We can talk about the past,” Campanella said. “But I want to focus on the future. We want to thrive in the future.” Email sports news to Brent Woronoff at brent@observer localnews.com.

SIDELINES

Girls state wrestling qualifiers

All four Flagler Palm Coast girls wrestlers are headed to the state championships on March 5-7, two as regional champions.

Joslyn Johnson (105 pounds) and Alexa Calidonio (170 pounds) won Region 1 wrestling championships at Mosley High School in Lynn Haven on Saturday, Feb. 21. Juliana Mills placed second at 110 pounds and Alisha Vilar placed third at 145 pounds to advance to the state tournament at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee.

Matanzas’ Cardy Michel (fourth 125 pounds) and Briana Durry (third, 235 pounds) also advanced to state. FPC, with just four wrestlers, placed second at

the regional meet.

FPC qualifies 13 for boys regional wrestling

Not only did Flagler Palm Coast roll to the District 2-3A boys wrestling championship on Feb. 19 at Gainesville Buchholz, but all 13 FPC wrestlers qualified for the Region 1-3A tournament Feb. 27-28 at DeLand.

Seven Bulldogs won district championships: Jacob Hald (106 pounds), Braden Dailey (113), Kevin McLean (120), Trey Twilley (132), Lenny Fries (138), Gabe Moy (144) and JoJo Foalima (165).

Six other Bulldogs placed in the top four to advance: Buster Bossardet (third, 126), Michael Fries (second, 150), Ronden Ricks (second, 157),

Doyvonne Leadon (third, 175), Brian Veal (third, 215) and Aiden Korth (third, 285).

FPC topped second-place Buchholz, 252.5 points to 215. At the District 4-2A meet at New Smyrna Beach, Matanzas came away with eight regional qualifiers including district champ Jacob Gibson at 113 pounds. The Pirates other qualifiers were: Zayden Stoetzel (third, 120), Chris Cavallo (second, 126), Zachary Heselton (fourth, 132), Terry Marchman (third, 138), Landen Blackburn (second 144), Aiden Koedam (third, 150) and Jackson Marchman (second 215).

Seabreeze qualified six wrestlers: Kaiden Luj (fourth, 106), Nick Prokopovich (third, 144), Cash Kurz (fourth, 157), Jayce Gainer (second 165), Sam Moore (third, 175) and Zane DePaula (third, 215).

Mainland qualified four: Christia Vicole (second, 113),

Demetrius Boston (fourth, 138), Isaac Strozier (second, 175) and Tristan Bao (fourth, 215).

Hampton reaches 1,000 points

Flagler Palm Coast senior basketball player Anthony Hampton hit a milestone in his final game. Hampton needed 15 points in the regional quarterfinal against Atlantic Coast on Feb. 14 to reach 1,000 points for his career. He wound up scoring exactly 15 points to end his high school career with an even 1,000 points.

FPC’s Perry, Shirley win FACA honors

Flagler Palm Coast senior

Nate Perry has been named the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Boys Basketball District 6 Player of the Year for Class 7A and FPC coach Greg Shirley has been named the District 6-7A Coach of the Year. The Bulldogs (17-11) advanced to the playoffs. Perry averaged 15.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

Neal chosen for all-star team

FPC senior soccer goalie

Natalie Neal has been selected to play in the FACA Girls Soccer Senior AllStar games. The games will be played March 14-15 at Mulberry High School. Neal finished her career with 539 saves and 37 shutouts.

Walk-off baseball victory for FPC

The Flagler Palm Coast baseball team improved to 4-0 with a 6-5 walk-off victory against DeLand on Feb. 19. Carson Flis hit a two-run double in the seventh to tie the score at 5-5, and Nick Pandich drove him home with a game-winning single.

Sharks bite back in return visit to Matanzas

With Leah Stevens now at Florida, the rebuilding Pirates lost to a team with revenge on its mind.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Last season, Matanzas knocked Ponte Vedra out of the state softball playoffs with a 1-0 victory on a no-hitter by Pirates’ ace Leah Stevens. That came a week after the Pirates pummeled the Sharks 12-1 to win the district championship with Stevens striking out 11 batters in five innings.

It’s a new season. Stevens is now pitching for the University of Florida. The Pirates had their best season ever last year, compiling a 23-2 record and advancing to the regional final. Now, they are rebuilding.

Matanzas opened the season with a 15-0 victory at rival Flagler Palm Coast in which freshman Payton Zuromski pitched a four-inning onehitter on Feb. 17. Two days later, Ponte Vedra arrived at the Pirates’ field with revenge on its mind.

Sharks pitchers Aiofe Weaver and Taylor Scribner combined on a five-inning no-hitter as Ponte Vedra knocked out 11 hits and took advantage of three errors in a 12-0 victory.

Matanzas had six new players in its lineup.

“(Ponte Vedra) has some returners that knew exactly what they wanted out of this game,” Matanzas coach Sabrina Manhart said. “We have a very young team, and obviously, they weren’t in that

(playoff) game last year. After coming off a big emotional win against our crosstown rival, we were facing the reality of what it is like to come up against the team that you put out in their last game of the season last year, and who’s a district opponent who wanted this game.”

Manhart had decided not to brief the new players about last year’s history with the Sharks.

“We’re really focused on us right now and what our jobs and our roles are, so we didn’t want to make (the game) bigger than they could handle and give them that background story,” Manhart said.

The Pirates are using a pitching staff by committee right now to replace Stevens. Sophomore Trinity Wright started and ended the game against the Sharks, while Zuromski entered in the first inning and pitched into the fifth.

“Out pitching staff is young but capable,” Manhart said.

Matanzas expects to see Ponte Vedra again in the district tournament in late April. By then, the Pirates’ young players will have a season of experience under their belts. Stevens, meanwhile, has been getting the chance to pitch early in her freshman season with the Gators. She has made the most of her opportunities with a 2-0 record and a 2.63 earned run average in seven appearances with 12 strikeouts in 13.1 innings.

Matanzas (2-1) got back on the winning track with a 17-1 home victory against Seabreeze on Tuesday, Feb. 24. FPC (1-2) won its first game of the season on Feb. 20, 6-4 against Taylor.

TRIBUTES

Donald Robert Peart

April 21, 1939 ‑ January 30, 2026

Born on April 21, 1939, in Portsmouth, Ohio, he lived a life defined by service, resil‑ ience, a witty sense of humor, and deep loyalty to his family and friends. He passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, in Palm Coast, Florida, leaving behind a legacy built not only by what he did, but by how he showed up for those he loved.

He proudly served in the United States Army as a com‑ bat engineer, an experience that shaped him for the rest of his life. Though he carried the weight of survivor’s guilt long after his service end‑ ed, he met that burden with humility, quiet perseverance, and an unshakable sense of responsibility to others. He believed deeply in showing up, lending a hand when it was needed, and toughing it out when times were hard—values he lived every day and often delivered with dry wit and a well‑timed smile.

Shortly after returning from serving overseas, he met Mimi (Miriam Kluger) in Miami, Florida. Their bond was immediate and enduring. They married in 1961 and soon welcomed their first daughter,

Steffi (Stephanie). In the years that followed, Ronnie (Veronica) and Bobby (Don) arrived, completing a family rooted in love, hard work, and loyalty.

In his younger years raising the kids in Miami, the Florida Keys were his refuge—spent boating, fishing, and free diving. He also enjoyed hunt‑ ing mean wild boars in the Everglades.

A career carpenter by trade, he took great pride in craftsmanship. The realities of construction work and its shifting economy led the fam‑ ily west to California, where he continued to hone his skill, eventually retiring as VP of a residential home developer.

In retirement, he continued to find purpose in woodwork‑ ing and home projects, taking pride in building, fixing, and doing things the right way.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Miriam; his children, Stephanie Diane, Veronica Lynn, and Donald Robert Jr.; his grandchildren, Chelsey, Shane, and Maximus; and his great‑grandchildren, all little girls, Chandler, Aurora, Aspen, and Clover; his beloved brother‑in‑law

Richard H. Davidson

December 7, 1939 - February 13, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Richard H. Davidson, age 86, announces his passing on Feb. 13, 2026. Richard was born Dec. 7, 1939 in the Bronx, New York. In his younger years, he worked for the New York Police Department, where he achieved the rank of sergeant. He married his loving wife, Dorothy, in 1959, and had two cherished daughters, Denise and Laura. Richard later went on to earn his law degree and open a private practice. He found his true calling, however, after moving from Mahopac, New York to sunny Florida in 1986 and accepting a position as Professor of Law and Ethics at Daytona State College. He worked there for many happy years, where his students affectionately referred to him as “Dr. D.” Teaching gave him a profound sense of joy; he

often remarked that he had the best job in the world. His other favorite name was “Dodo”, bestowed by his four adoring grandchildren. He loved them unconditionally, shared his wonderful sense of humor with them, and instilled within them a respect for family, nature, and lifelong learning. He was an avid reader and philosopher, raised canaries and fish, and could always be counted on for a great story. He spent his later years sitting in the sun and enjoying the simple beauty of his pond.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Dorothy; his daughters, Denise (Timothy) Classey of Trumbull, CT and Laura (Robert) Schramm of Granite Falls, NC; his brother, Arthur Huy; and his sisters-in-law, Barbara Huy and Barbara

Charles Kluger; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, Bill (William Peart).

He will be remembered for his humor, steadfast loyalty, and unwavering commitment to those he loved. His life stands as a testament to duty, perseverance, and the en‑ during strength of family and friendship. He will be deeply missed and forever honored.

Services are private and under the direction of Lotus Funeral Services, 460 Palm Coast Pkwy, SW, Suite 3, Palm Coast, FL 32137 (386) 217‑0875

Leonardi. He leaves behind his grandchildren: Paige (James) Przybylski, Tara (Jacob) Macko, Daniel Schramm, and Connor Schramm, as well as four great-grandsons: Owen, Everett, Henry, and Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Huy, and brother, James Davidson. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. A private celebration of life will be held for Richard at a later date.

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FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES

IN SECTIONS 733.702 AND 733.710 FLORIDA STATUTES, THAT IS, THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE, OR, IN AS TO ANY CREDITOR SERVED WITH A COPY OF THIS NOTICE TO CREDITORS, THIRTY DATES AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF THAT COPY, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE HAS RECOGNIZED THE CLAIM OR DEMAND BY PAYING A PART OR IT, OR INTEREST ON IT, OR OTHERWISE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS FEBRUARY 26, 2026. /s/ Rebecca Carlton Rebecca Carlton, Personal Representative DORAN FOXMAN SIMS WOLFE & YOON /s/ Carol Yoon Theodore R. Doran, Esq.; FBN: 347515 Matthew M. Foxman, Esq.; FBN: 163650 Carol A. Yoon, Esq.; FBN: 100804 1020 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 253-1111

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025-14037-PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF MELISSA NICOLE COLLINS Deceased. The administration of the Estate of Melissa Nicole Collins, deceased, whose date of death was June 18, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N. Alabama Ave., Deland, FL 32724. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s Estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The Personal Representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s Estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is February 26, 2026. Personal Representative: Joyce Hope Collins 1310 West Church St. Deland, Florida 32720 Attorney for Personal Representative: Cyrus Malhotra, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0022751 THE MALHOTRA LAW FIRM P.A. 3903 Northdale Boulevard, Suite 100E Tampa, Florida 33624 Telephone: (813) 902-2119 Fax: (727) 290-4044 E-Mail: filings@FLprobatesolutions.com Secondary E-Mail: cortney@FLprobatesolutions.com Feb. 26; Mar. 5, 2026 25-00064G

Primary Email: cyoon@doranlaw.com

Secondary Email: bshoner@doranlaw.com; dmartin@ doranlaw.com

Attorneys for Personal Representative 7763-336583 Feb. 26, Mar. 5, 2026

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Mystic Ocean Designs, located at 137 Ryan Drive, in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, FL 32164, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated 2/17/2026. Jennifer Stampfl 7763-336542 Feb. 26, 2026 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION: 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF ANTONIO ALMEIDA SOUSA, A/K/A, ANTONIO A. SOUSA, DECEASED. CASE NO.: 2026-CP-000040

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of ANTONIO ALMEIDA SOUSA, a/k/a

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026-CP-000039 IN RE: ESTATE OF WARNER F. MARTIN, Deceased. The administration of the estate of WARNER F. MARTIN, deceased, whose date of death was November 1, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E Moody Blvd #5 Building #1, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

A personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in Sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under Section 732.2211.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. Dated this 6th day of January, 2026. The date of first publication of this notice is: February 26, 2026. MAYER W. MARTIN Personal Representative 1742 Long Green Drive Annapolis, Maryland 21409

NORMA STANLEY

Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 0778450

Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. 215 North Eola Drive Orlando, Florida 32801 Telephone: (407) 843-4600

Fax: (407) 843-4444

E-Mail: norma.stanley@lowndes-law.com Secondary E-Mail: probate@lowndes-law.com Feb. 26; Mar. 5, 2026 26-00062G

ANTONIO A. SOUSA, deceased, whose date of death was October 13, 2025, is pending in the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court in and for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, Florida 32110. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set fort below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s Estate on whom a copy of this Notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s Estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The Personal Representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the Decedent's death by the Decedent or the Decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in Sections 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024-CP-000775 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF GEZINA HOLTRUST Deceased. The administration of the estate of Gezina Holtrust, deceased, File No. 2024-CP000775, whose date of death was August 24, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E Moody Blvd, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AF-

TER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is February 26, 2026. Personal Representative Yari Moni-Chowdhury 34 Juniper Dr. Ormond Beach, Florida 32176

Attorney for Personal Representative

Jonathan P. Hermes, Esq., B.C.S.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1011335

Ginn & Patrou, PLLC

460 A1A Beach Blvd. St. Augustine, FL 32080

Telephone: (904) 461-3000 Fax: (844) 730-9828

E-Mail: service@ginnpatrou.com

Secondary E-Mail: jhermes@ginnpatrou.com

Feb. 26; Mar. 5, 2026 26-00063G

may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under Section 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CA-000260 VILLAGE CAPITAL & INVESTMENT LLC, Plaintiff, v. PAUL R. MORAND, et al., Defendants. NOTICE is hereby given that Tom Bexley, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Flagler County, Florida, will on March 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET, via the online auction site at www.flagler.realforeclose.com in accordance with Chapter 45, F.S., offer for sale and sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the following described property situated in Flagler County, Florida, to wit: Lot 4, Block 22, ZEBULAH’S TRAIL-SECTION 63, SEMINOLE WOODS AT PALM COAST, according to plat thereof as recorded in Map Book 18, Pages 24-35, inclusive, Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. Property Address: 17 Zinnia Trail, Palm Coast, FL 32164 pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in a case pending in said Court, the style and case number of which is set forth above. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. SUBMITTED on this 20th day of February, 2026. TIFFANY & BOSCO, P.A. /s/ Kathryn I. Kasper, Esq. Anthony R. Smith, Esq. FL Bar #157147 Kathryn I. Kasper, Esq. FL Bar #621188 Attorneys for Plaintiff OF COUNSEL: Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. 1201 S. Orlando Ave, Suite 430 Winter Park, FL 32789 Telephone: (205) 930-5200

Facsimile: (407) 7 12-9201 Feb. 26; Mar. 5, 2026 26-00059G

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL FLORIDA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 7:00 P M on the 9th day of March 2026, for the purpose of Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 202604, before the City Commission, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110. ORDINANCE 2026-04

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL FLORIDA ANNEXING BY VOLUNTARY PETITION CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TOTALING 240.00± ACRES LOCATED AT 261 COUNTY ROAD 45 AND BEARING MULTIPLE PARCEL IDS, WHICH IS CONTIGUOUS TO THE CITY OF BUNNELL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND OTHER CONTROLLING LAW; REDEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL TO INCLUDE SAID PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO RECORD THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, WITH THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF FLAGLER COUNTY AND WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR LEGAL DESCRIPTION AND A MAP; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON- CODIFICATION AND THE TAKING OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted would be found

The City of Flagler Beach proposes to adopt the following ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE 2026-03

An Ordinance by the City Commission of the City of Flagler Beach, Florida, amending Appendix "A" Land Development Regulations, Article II, Zoning; amending Section 2.04.02.9.1 related to barrier island residential development standards; amending lot area, density, and lot width requirements; providing for inclusion in the Code of Ordinances; providing for conflicts; providing an effective date hereof.

City Commission: Thursday, March 12, 2026 @ 5:30 p m or soon thereafter

The public hearings may be continued to a future date or dates The times and dates of any continuance of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without any further published notice. The request will be heard at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers located at 105 South Second Street, Flagler Beach, Florida If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearings, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’ s Office at 386-517- 2000 Ext 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting 7763-337246

Feb 26, 2026

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 CA 000656 AMERIS BANK, Plaintiff, vs. WILLIAM YANES, et al., Defendant. To: WILLIAM YANES 44 DEL PALMA DRIVE, PALM COAST, FL 32137 UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF WILLIAM YANES 44 DEL PALMA DRIVE, PALM COAST, FL 32137 LAST KNOWN ADDRESS STATED, CURRENT RESIDENCE UNKNOWN YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose Mortgage covering the following real and personal property described as follows, to-wit: LOT 22, MARINA DEL PALMA, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 38, PAGE 76, PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you and you are required to file a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Sara Collins, Esq, McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP, 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155, Orlando, FL 32801 and file the original with the Clerk of the above- styled Court on or before 30 DAYS FROM THE 1ST PUBLICATION or 30 days from the first publication, otherwise a Judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. WITNESS

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2026 CP 000070 IN RE: ESTATE OF GERMAN CHAVEZ, Deceased.

The Administration of the Estate of German Chavez, deceased, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Bunnell, FL 32110. The Estate is intestate.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. The fiduciary lawyer–client privilege in Florida Statutes Section 90.5021 applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative.

Any interested person on whom a copy of the Notice of Administration is served who challenges the validity of the will or any codicils, venue, or jurisdiction of the court is required to file any objection with the court in the manner provided in the Florida Probate Rules WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the date that is 3 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on that person, or those objections are forever barred. The 3-month time period may only be extended for estoppel based upon a misstatement by the personal representative regarding the time period within which an objection must be filed. The time period may not be extended for any other reason, including affirmative representation, failure to disclose information, or misconduct by the personal representative or any other person. Unless sooner barred by section 733.212(3), all objections to the validity of a will or any codicils, venue, or the jurisdiction of the court must be filed

no later than the earlier of the entry of an Order of Final Discharge of the Personal Representative or 1 year after service of the notice of administration.

A petition for determination of exempt property is required to be filed by or on behalf of any person entitled to exempt property under Section 732.402 WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the later of the date that is 4 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on such person or the date that is 40 days after the date of termination of any proceeding involving the construction, admission to probate, or validity of the will or involving any other matter affecting any part of the

attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is February 19, 2026.

Personal Representative: Thomas J. Hajek, Jr. 114 Horace Street Stratford, Connecticut 06614

Attorney for Personal Representative: Diane A. Vidal

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324 CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164

Telephone: (386) 445-8900

Fax: (386) 445-6702

E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com

Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com February 19, 26, 2026 26-00051G

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 CP 000706 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF DANIEL RICHARD CLARK, aka DANIEL R. CLARK Deceased. The administration of the estate of DANIEL RICHARD CLARK, also known as DANIEL R. CLARK, deceased, whose date of death was June 19, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 321100787. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: February 19, 2026. Signed on this 13th day of OCTOBER, 2025. PATRICIA A. CLARK Personal Representative 16 Eastman Lane Palm Coast, Florida 32164

Robert Kit Korey

Attorney for Personal Representative

Florida Bar No. 147787

Korey Law, P.A. 595 W. Granada Blvd., Suite A Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 Telephone: 386-677-3431 Email: kit@koreylawpa.com

Secondary Email: dwargo@koreylawpa.com February 19, 26, 2026 26-00053G

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2025-CA-000600 CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, a Florida Municipal Corporation, Plaintiff, vs. ARTEDI CORTEZ, an individual; WELHELMINA CORTEZ, an individual, Defendant(s). TO: ARTEDI CORTEZ; and WELHELMINA CORTEZ YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for foreclosure of code enforcement lien on the following property in Flagler County, Florida: LOT 10, AND THE SOUTH 10 FEET OF LOT 9, BLOCK 18F, FUQUAY SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 26, PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you, and you are required to serve an Answer or written defenses with the Clerk of the Court, Civil Division for Flagler County, Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Bunnell, Florida 32110, within 30 days from the first date of publication and on Plaintiff’s attorney, Abigayl M. OsborneLiborio, Esquire, 2300 Maitland Center Pkwy, Suite 100, Maitland, Florida 32751; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTIFICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, persons with disabilities needing special accommodation should contact Court Administration, in the County of filing, not later than sever (7) days prior to the proceeding. If hearing impaired, (TTD) 1-800-955-8771 or VOICE (V) 1-800-955-8770, via Florida Relay Service.

DATED on the day of 2/12/2026. TOM BEXLEY CLERK OF THE COURT (SEAL) Amy Perez Deputy Clerk

February 19, 26, 2026 26-00047G

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 CA 000403 FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff, vs. MARCOS ANDREW FIGUEROA, et al., Defendant.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered January 13, 2026 in Civil Case No. 2025 CA 000403 of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT in and for Flagler County, Bunnell, Florida, wherein FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION is Plaintiff and Marcos Andrew Figueroa, et al., are Defendants, the Flagler County Clerk of Court, TOM W. BEXLEY, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash online via https://flagler. realforeclose.com/index.cfm in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on the 13th day of March, 2026 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment, to-wit: Lot 65, The Trails, according to the plat as recorded in Plat Book 40 Page 28, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If

JR. Deceased. TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Joseph T. LaBruzza, Jr., deceased, File Number 2025 CP 000733, by the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110; that the decedent’s date of death was August 14, 2025; that the total value of exempt and non-exempt assets of the estate are $560,854 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are:

Name Address Maura Matteo 17 William Glen Drive Camden, ME 04843 Rhea Morales 32 Kiawah Avenue Freehold NJ07728 Lori Pass PO Box 194 Cotuit MA 02635 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT:

All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 857 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF FRANK T. WENHAM Deceased. TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Frank T. Wenham, deceased, File Number 2025 CP 000857, by the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110; that the decedent’s date of death was October 8, 2025; that the total value of the estate is $55,000 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are:

Name Address Michael John Wenham 101 Crafton Road Bel Air, MD 21014 Douglas Mueller 606 Deep Ridge Road Bel Air, MD 21014 Heather Wenham Myers 113 Sunset Strip Dagsboro, DE 19939

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NO -

TIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is February 19, 2026. Person Giving Notice: Michael John Wenham 101 Crafton Road Bel Air, Maryland 21014

Attorney for Person Giving Notice

Diane A. Vidal

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324

CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164

Telephone: (386) 445-8900

Fax: (386) 445-6702

E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com